Ruhan Pretorius ‘upset’ after shock departure from North Down

The South African all-rounder was due to remain at The Green for a fifth consecutive season, but a club statement from the Comber club on Monday afternoon confirmed a shock parting of the ways.

When contacted by the News Letter, 29-year-old Pretorius said he had received “tough news”.

“This has come from nowhere and I feel angry and upset,” he said. “I’m trying to sort out my life here as I have been left in the dark right before Christmas.

“It’s not a very good situation to be in. All I know is that the club have said that financially it does not suit them and that they think it’s time to move on.”

The Ireland international hopeful had signed a new contract with the club in October.

It is understood that North Down have given Pretorius 10 weeks’ notice of current contract expiring. A club official said the club were now pursuing a “fresh start”.

In their statement, North Down said: “The Club Executive Committee has today released Ruhan from his contractual obligations for 2020/21.

Over the past four years Ruhan has turned in consistently high performances for the 1st XI, scoring over 4000 runs and taking over 100 wickets and culminating in the team winning the Robinson Services League Cup in September.

“He has also played an important role in the continued growth of our vibrant Youth section, helping to plan and run many successful practice sessions and training camps.

“We would like to wish Ruhan all the best in his future endeavours, both on and off the field, in particularly in his quest to represent Cricket Ireland.”

Pretorius topped the NCU run-scoring charts last season, hitting 409 at an average of 68.17. He helped the club win the Robinson Services Cup last season, scoring a sublime unbeaten 120 in a semi-final victory over Instonians