Monty Panear has announced decision to quit Sussex CCC
Monty Panear has announced decision to quit Sussex CCC

England spin bowler Monty Panesar has announced his departure from Sussex County Cricket Club less than a month after being fined for urinating on nightclub doormen.

Announcing his departure, Panesar, 31, admitted to having problems dealing with "frustrations" and admitted they "got the better of me."

Earlier this month Panesar was chased by bouncers after he urinated on them outside Shooshh nightclub in Brighton, and was heard screaming "help!" when they seized him at a pizza parlour. The England man had earlier been ejected from the night-spot after a group of women complained they were being harassed.

Panesar claimed that by leaving Sussex CCC he can put his professional problems behind him, and said sorry to the county for "letting them down".

In a statement, the experienced slow left arm bowler revealed: "I have endured a challenging time this year off the field and my frustrations have sometimes got the better of me. I apologise for letting the club, the colleagues and my fans down."

On the same day as Panesar left Sussex, it was announced he had joined Essex son loan for the remainder of the cricket season. He will also seek guidance from trusted cricket guru Neil Burns in a bid to rescue his international career.

'I can still be the world's best'

Panesar, who burst onto the scene and became a fans' favourite in 2006, declared he still thinks he can be the best spinner in the world - expressing confidence Burns will help him fulfil his potential.

Panesar said: "I feel that Neil, along with a trusted supported structure in place around me, will help me put my personal and professional problems behind me and enable me to put all my energies and focus into a new club."

Sussex CCC confirmed Panesar will quit the club, after spending almost three years there. In a statement, chief executive Zac Toumazi acknowledged Panear's problems.

He said: "Clearly this season has been a very difficult time for Monty Panesar. Having reviewed the whole situation the club has agreed that Monty be released from his contract. This will give him every chance to put his personal and professional life back on track.

Club manager Mark Robinson preferred to emphasise Panesar's qualities on the field, declaring him an "outstanding bowler."