Gloucestershire exodus continues after T20 star Ian Cockbain not offered new contract

Ian Cockbain is set to leave Gloucestershire
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Will Macpherson11 August 2022

T20 star Ian Cockbain is set to become the latest player to join the exodus at Gloucestershire after he was not offered a new deal by the county.

Last week it was announced that Benny Howell, who has made waves on the franchise scene, would move to Hampshire. Ryan Higgins, the outstanding cross-format all-rounder, has since returned to Middlesex on a four-year deal.

Cockbain, 35, is set to become the third high-profile departure from the county having not been offered a new deal.

He is yet to sign for another county but has received formal and informal interest in his services from next season.

Cockbain has not played first-class cricket this season for the relegation-threatened county and, by his standards, had a quiet Vitality Blast, with just one half-century.

He is part of Trent Rockets’ squad in the Hundred and seems likely to play when Joe Root returns to England’s Test squad.

Strong Blast form in recent seasons led to him playing franchise cricket in Australia and Pakistan last winter.

He had a particularly impressive Big Bash, scoring 239 runs at an average of 59.75 in six matches for Adelaide Strikers, which makes him likely to earn a place in the tournament again this winter.