Sussex forced to abandon hopes of playing at Arundel, Horsham and Eastbourne this summer

While there is still hope of some cricket being played later this summer, the county want to ensure our delivery of festival cricket is as good as it can be, and believe a year’s postponement benefits all parties in the best way possible. 

The Rathbones Arundel Festival of Cricket was set to begin on Sunday 28 June with a County Championship clash against Derbyshire, but the visit to the picturesque Arundel Castle ground will now have to wait until the following season. 

Sussex said: "We would like to thank Rathbone Investment Management for their continued support, and we look forward to working in partnership with them again, for The Rathbones Arundel Festival of Cricket, in 2021."

After a five-year absence, Sussex Sharks were set to return to Cricketfield Road in Horsham for a Royal London Cup fixture against Gloucestershire on Sunday 9 August.   

The visit was going to see Cricketfield Road become the third outground currently used by Sussex for men’s first-team cricket, alongside Arundel Castle and The Saffrons in Eastbourne. Despite the postponement of this year’s trip, they look forward to a return to Horsham during the 250th anniversary year next summer.   

The Sharks were also set to take their Royal London Cup campaign to The Saffrons in Eastbourne on Friday 24 July, with a clash against Kent Spitfires scheduled.   

After tasting defeat at The Saffrons last summer, the Sharks will have to wait a further 12 months before experiencing that winning feeling along the coast again.    

Sussex Cricket Chief Executive Rob Andrew said: “While we’re bitterly disappointed to see our festival and outground cricket postponed for a year, we know the decision made is the correct one.   

“As an organisation, we are dedicated to inspiring a passion for cricket across the county, and our work with our friends at Arundel, Eastbourne and Horsham helps us achieve that.

“Together, we are spreading our game across our wonderful county, and look forward to continuing that journey next summer.  

“Trips to our wonderful outgrounds will be worth the wait. We thank our fans for their understanding and look forward to seeing them all at Arundel, Eastbourne and Horsham in 2021.” 

Anyone that purchased match tickets for any of these fixtures will be automatically refunded by Tuesday 30 June. Fans can donate/or waive your right to a refund.

If you purchased a corporate hospitality package through the outground host, you should contact them directly for further information.