Surrey release Salisbury
Published 4 October 2007
Surrey County Cricket Club have announced that they will not be renewing Ian Salisbury’s contract for the 2008 season.
After joining the Club from Sussex in 1997 the 37 year old, who played in 15 Test Matches for England, played a huge part in helping the Club win three County Championship titles in 1999, 2000 and 2002. In 137 first-class matches for Surrey, he took 368 wickets at 30.06 and also scored 3,308 runs at a respectable 22.97. Overall, he played in 311 first-class matches, taking 853 wickets and amassing nearly 7,000 runs.
The leg spinner also played a big part in Surrey’s 2006 Division Two Championship winning team and as a result, was given another year on his contract as well as being announced as the Club’s beneficiary for the 2007 season.
After the announcement of Salisbury's departure Surrey Cricket Manager Alan Butcher said, “Sals played a major role in the Surrey success story from 1998-2002. In tandem with Saqlain, they formed a hugely potent spin duo. Sadly it is time to say goodbye to yet another member of that great team and it is with fond memories, goodwill and our best wishes for the future that Ian moves on to another phase of his life.”
Salisbury added, “I have had such a great time here at Surrey over the years and have so many good memories. Any success on the pitch I have had is a bonus but the real important part that I’ll take out of my time here is the life long friends I have made. Winning trophies was great but I was fortunate to play with some really decent blokes throughout my time here. The other really satisfying thing for me is having the youngsters come up to you and say how much they appreciate your help and that is what I’ll miss.”
Salisbury also indicated that he had no plans to retire, stating “I really want to keep playing as I feel I still have the ability to play first-class cricket and it will be a bit sad that it won’t be at Surrey but it will also be an exciting opportunity for me if it is to be somewhere else.”
To see Salisbury talk exclusively with Surrey TV, click here.
Salisbury is currently still in his benefit year and still has two remaining events left. The next one is the Ian Salisbury Benefit Ball on 26 October at the Royal Garden Hotel and the other is the Christmas Luncheon on 5 December. For more information on either event please contact Lizzie Burdge, Athletes 1, on 0207 015 1319.
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