Samit Patel bids farewell to Nottinghamshire after two decades

Nottinghamshire Cricket Club has announced the end of an era with the departure of veteran allrounder Samit Patel. The former England international, set to turn 39 in November, has been an integral part of the club for more than two decades.

Patel made his debut for Nottinghamshire in 2002 and went on to represent the club in over 600 games across various formats. During his illustrious career, he clinched six major trophies, including the County Championship twice and the T20 Blast twice. Additionally, Patel played 60 matches for the England national team between 2008 and 2015.

"It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Nottinghamshire, a place that I have called home for nearly three decades. The club has played a huge role in developing the young nine-year-old I was when I joined the club into the cricketer I am today,” Patel said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“I look back on my career at Trent Bridge with tremendous affection, When I signed my first contract at 15, I dreamt of representing my country in all three formats. I have no doubt that the club's unwavering support helped me to achieve these goals and, for that, I will be eternally grateful,” he added.

While Patel cherished his time at Trent Bridge, he acknowledged that he still has a lot to offer the game with both bat and ball. Though he was not offered a new contract at Nottinghamshire, Patel is determined to continue his cricketing journey.

"Nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to see out my career with Notts, but whilst I haven't been offered a new contract at Trent Bridge, I feel determined that I still have a lot to offer the game with both bat and ball,” he said.

Patel holds a remarkable record in England's T20 competition, having made the most appearances and claimed the second-highest number of wickets (208). In the 2022 season, he played a pivotal role in helping Trent Rockets win The Hundred as well.

Nottinghamshire's director of cricket, Mick Newell, lauded Patel's contributions, saying, "Samit richly deserves the adulation he will get as his time at Notts comes to a close. That we associate him so closely with the club shows how important he has been in the successes we have achieved over the last two decades."