Liam Plunkett to leave Surrey and move to Major League Cricket project in USA

Plunkett, whose wife Emeleah is American, is set to join the new league across the Atlantic, which is due to stage its inaugural campaign in 2023

Liam Plunkett will leave Surrey at the end of the season ahead of a move to Major League Cricket in the USA.

Plunkett, whose wife Emeleah is American, is set to join the new league across the Atlantic, which is due to stage its inaugural campaign in 2023.

The 36-year-old - a World Cup winner with England in 2019 - has spent three years at Surrey after moving from Yorkshire in 2018.

He represented his country 124 times across formats, claiming 201 wickets. 

“I would like to thank everyone at Surrey for the support and backing I have received over the last three years," he said.

"The opportunities and professionalism provided by being part of the Surrey team is an experience I will cherish and take with me in my future endeavours. 

^{Liam Plunkett is leaving Surrey to pursue new opportunities in the USA}

"I’ve enjoyed a fantastic career with England, and after retiring from international cricket, I am delighted to be able to help build the sport in America in both playing and coaching capacities.

Plunkett will also take on a coaching role at The Philadelphians, a team in the Eastern Division of Minor League Cricket, which feeds into the Major League Cricket structure.

He remains eligible to take part in the 2022 T20 Blast and The Hundred as a local player. Plunkett was part of the Welsh Fire squad in The Hundred in 2021.

In an interview with The Independent, he confirmed that he would not look to qualify to represent USA at international level.

"Even if I did, I’m 36 now - I’d be 39 or 40 when qualified," he said. "Who says I’m good enough?"

Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, said: "On behalf of everyone at the club, we wish Liam the very best with his new challenge in America. Whenever he is in London, he will always be welcomed back to visit the Kia Oval."

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.