Bopara helped Essex to win the Division One title in 2019
The 34-year-old batting all-rounder turned down a “new and improved” offer from the county where he has spent his entire career.
Bopara played 499 matches for Essex across all formats and scored 11,148 first-class runs at an average of 42.06.
He made his debut for the Chelmsford-based club in 2002, and this season helped Essex to win both Division One of the County Championship and also the T20 Blast.
Writing on social media, Bopara said: “The success and achievements this year have been truly amazing and although sad to be saying goodbye to the club, I am happy I did it on a high.”
— Ravi Bopara (@ravibopara) October 16, 2019
Essex Club Captain Ryan ten Doeschate said: “I speak for the team when I say we are very sad to see Rav leave the club after 18 years.
“He’s been a great teammate and a fiercely loyal friend. I’m so pleased that he leaves on a high after playing the key role in the club winning our first T20 title.
“It will be strange to play against him next year, but we wish him all the very best at his new club.”
Matt Coles has also left Essex.
The bowler joined in 2018 after leaving Kent, but struggled to get regular playing time and spent much of this season on loan at Northamptonshire.
Tags: Essex, Essex Cricket, Cricket