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LONDON: Troubled England spinner Monty Panesar, who was arrested and fined for urinating on Brighton nightclub bouncers earlier this month, has been sacked by his county Sussex.
Panesar’s contract was to run for two more years.
But Sussex said in a statement on Monday that the 31-year-old spinner, who has played 48 Test matches for England and was ignored for the final Test of the on-going Ashes series against Australia, will be released by the end of this season.
Panesar’s sacking comes after an internal investigation by Sussex into Monty’s nightclub brawl.
The Sussex statement said, “Sussex County Cricket Club can confirm that Monty Panesar will be allowed to leave the club at the end of the 2013 season.
“The club’s investigation into the recent incident, which took place on Monday August 5, has been concluded – and both parties have reached agreement. He will become a free agent as of Friday September 27, 2013.’’
Sussex chief executive Zac Toumazi 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 opportunity to put his personal and professional life back on track.’’
Essex has reportedly signed him on loan till the end of the season.
“Monty is a world-class spinner and we are confident he will have a positive impact for the remainder of the season,’’ BBC quoted Essex coach Paul Grayson as saying.
Panesar apologized to Sussex and his teammates for his behaviour which has been linked to his recent ugly divorce from his wife of three years Gursharan Rattan.
In a statement, Panesar said, “I would like to thank Sussex for the opportunities, experiences and support I have enjoyed at the club since 2010, and my gratitude for the contribution Sussex have made in providing me with a platform to gain selection for England on three successive winter tours.
“I have endured a challenging time this year off the field and my frustrations have sometimes got the better of me professionally. I apologise for letting the club, my colleagues and my fans down.
“I believe that if I maintain the bowling progress I have made in recent weeks which enabled me to be selected for the Test squad at Old Trafford, I can fulfill my long-held ambition of becoming the best spin bowler in the world, over time.’’
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