Sussex record-breaker Danial Ibrahim signs first professional contract

The 17-year-old made his debut earlier this summer, becoming the youngest player to make a half century in the County Championship, following up a fifty against Yorkshire with another against Glamorgan

Teenage allrounder Danial Ibrahim has signed his first professional contract with Sussex.

The 17-year-old made his debut earlier this summer, becoming the youngest player to make a half century in the County Championship, following up a fifty against Yorkshire with another against Glamorgan.

Ibrahim, whose father played first-class cricket in Pakistan, has been involved in the club’s pathway since the age of 10.

He said: “I was over the moon when I signed my first long-term contract with the club. It’s something I’ve dreamt of doing ever since I started playing the game and now it feels so surreal that it has happened.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. The endless driving around the country all year round and their support as well as the training my dad has given me has all helped me massively to get to where I am now.”

Ibrahim, who took six wickets in the Royal London Cup, attends Bede’s School along with Sussex teammate Archie Lenham, who is also 17 and signed his first pro deal last week.

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Ian Salisbury, Sussex’s head coach in the County Championship and the Royal London Cup, added: “I first saw Danial play soon after I came back to Sussex when he was an under-15. It was the same day as England won the World Cup and Dan scored his first hundred. That was the start of my realising what a very special player he can become.

“In much the same way as Archie [Lenham] and James [Coles], Dan’s temperament is just as impressive as his talent. He plays with no fear and always backs himself.

“Dan’s progress thus far is testament to that mindset, but also the club’s decision to integrate our academy with our pro-squad as much as possible and to give first team opportunities to our promising youngsters.

“We want to sign cricketers that can play in all three formats and Dan is one of those. Add in the fact he is a genuine allrounder and that is absolutely priceless to any team. He’s one of a number of young guys we have like that, and I am hugely excited about where they could take Sussex in four or five-years’ time.”