Ari Karvelas signs permanent deal with Sussex

The 28-year-old Greece international helped Sussex to the Royal London Cup semi-finals, taking a team-leading 20 wickets in nine appearances

Ari Karvelas has joined Sussex on a permanent deal.

The 28-year-old made his debut for the club in July 2022, featuring in their LV= Insurance County Championship Division Two clashes with Middlesex and Nottinghamshire. He scored 73 runs – including one half-century – and took four wickets across both matches.

However, it was in the Royal London Cup that he gained wider attention, taking a team-leading 20 wickets and maintaining an economy of 5.4 to help Sussex to the semi-finals.

^{Karvelas scored a first-class half-century for Sussex [Julian Finney/Getty Images]}

The South African-born fast bowler has previously represented Gauteng and Central Gauteng on South Africa's domestic circuit as well as featuring for Kent, Worcestershire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Somerset's 2nd XIs in the past five years.

On July 12, he made his international debut for Greece against Italy.

Commenting on extending his stay with Sussex, Karvelas said: "It is a great honour to sign this contract. I'm really looking forward to continuing my journey with Sussex and am excited to see what the future holds.

"I'm grateful for the continued support from the players, coaches, staff and supporters."

Karvelas is not an overseas player but is one year away from being England-qualified. He is currently registered through pre-settled status.