Ian Cockbain to leave Gloucestershire after 12 years

The 35-year-old joined Gloucestershire in 2010 and has since made 267 appearances, scoring 7,787 runs

Gloucestershire batter Ian Cockbain is to leave the county at the end of the season after more than a decade's service.

The 35-year-old joined Gloucestershire in 2010 and has since made 267 appearances, scoring 7,787 runs.

He also holds the club record for the most T20 appearances, with 19 fifties and one century among his record.

The last 12 years have been such a huge part of my life, from being given the opportunity to play professional cricket to now having my family in Bristol," he said.

"I have loved every second of representing Gloucestershire and it is sad that I won’t be able to pull on the shirt again. Having said that, I am extremely excited to be starting a new chapter in my career."

The Cricketer understands that while there has been interest in Cockbain from elsewhere, no decision has been made on his next destination.

Several counties could be in the market for white-ball batters, with Yorkshire losing Tom Kohler-Cadmore to Somerset and Lancashire – whose youth system Cockbain came through – likely to see less of Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt as they establish themselves in England's white-ball setup.

^{Cockbain also scored 2,684 first-class runs in 57 matches (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

Cockbain, who impressed in last year's Big Bash after being called in late by Adelaide Strikers, is on the overseas draft list for the tournament.

"Since joining us from the MCC Young Cricketers programme, Ian has been a fantastic player for Gloucestershire Cricket," added Steve Snell, the county's performance director.

"He has excited supporters with his flamboyant range of shots and has been an instrumental part of many Gloucestershire sides during his time here.

"Ian has been an exceptional ambassador for Gloucestershire Cricket both on and off the field and we wish him well in his future endeavours."

Cockbain is the third senior player to announce his departure from the county, following in the footsteps of Benny Howell and Ryan Higgins.

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