Body blow to Leicestershire as Sutcliffe declines captaincy

Just at the time when Leicestershire thought they were putting their problems behind them, they have received a serious blow to their rebuilding plans. Things were looking up with the announcement on Tuesday that long-serving administrator Kevin Hill is to take over as general manager and yesterday's re-signing of Paul Nixon. So it will be a disappointment that Iain Sutcliffe has today turned down the chance of becoming county captain.

Left-handed opening batsman and vice-captain Sutcliffe was offered the post when Vince Wells was stripped of the captaincy. Furthermore, the 27 year-old has declined the offer of a new three-year playing contract which will leave a substantial hole in their resources. Last season in first-class cricket he scored over a thousand runs at an average of 41.84 as well as eight hundred runs in limited overs cricket at 38.47.

Hill accepted Sutcliffe's decision with sorrow. "I am obviously disappointed that Iain has decided to pursue his career elsewhere. I had hoped that he and I would work closely together and share the same aspirations to achieve success for the club. I would like to thank Iain for his contribution to the club in recent years and I wish him every success in the future. We have to accept this and move forward. I will be discussing the situation with the club's management in the near future."

There will be no shortage of offers to Sutcliffe for his services, with Lancashire thought to be among the leading contenders for his signature.