Leicestershire to lose three key players at the end of 2023 summer

Colin Ackermann, Callum Parkinson and Chris Wright have all turned down new contract offers at Grace Road and will join other counties for 2024

Three key players will leave Leicestershire at the end of the season, creating a considerable hole in the club's first-team plans.

Colin Ackermann, Callum Parkinson and Chris Wright have all turned down new contract offers at Grace Road and will join other counties for 2024.

Ackermann and Parkinson are reportedly set for a move north to Durham, while Wright is on his way to Sussex.

^{Seamer Chris Wright is leaving Leicestershire [Getty Images]}

The three are key figures in separate disciplines for Leicestershire. Ackermann, the club's T20 captain, has more than 7,000 runs in all formats for the county, and the most T20 runs for Leicestershire of any player in history.

Wright, 37, is an ageless leader in the seam-bowling attack with 567 career first-class wickets. Left-arm spinner Parkinson, meanwhile, is rated highly around the county network and will be hoping to push for England recognition over the coming years. 

In a statement, Leicestershire director of cricket Claude Henderson promised their departures would be followed by signings that balance the squad.

"Despite our desire to retain their services, we acknowledge that changes to the playing squad is part and parcel of professional sport and supporters can rest assured that work has been going on behind the scenes to assemble a squad capable of challenging in all formats," he said.

^{Callum Parkinson is on his way to Durham [Getty Images]}

"Our focus is firmly on completing the necessary recruitment to complement our existing, exciting young talent, and we will announce further details in the near future."

Nevertheless, there will be concern around Leicestershire about the loss of three senior and crucial players at once. 

Of his move to Sussex, Wright said: "I have long admired the club and am looking forward to contributing to its future success.

"Speaking to Paul Farbrace and having played against the team a number of times I am excited to be joining such a talented and ambitious group. Hopefully, I will take lots of wickets and provide some valuable experience to the team."