Sutherland, the highly-rated allrounder who captains Victoria and Melbourne Renegades, played three County Championship matches and 12 Blast games for Yorkshire last year. He became a “hugely popular” member of the squad, according to general manager Gavin Hamilton, and was due to return this summer for two Championship fixtures and the duration of the Blast.
However, ESPNcricinfo has learned that Sutherland has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his shoulder since last month’s Sheffield Shield final, and the club confirmed on Monday that he will not feature for them this summer.
“The Yorkshire County Cricket Club can confirm that Will Sutherland will no longer be joining the club for this year’s Vitality Blast, due to injury,” a spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “News on any replacement will be communicated in due course. Everyone at Yorkshire CCC wishes him well as he starts his recovery.”
Yorkshire have been perennial underachievers in T20 cricket. They have never won the Blast and have only reached Finals Day three times in 23 seasons. Last season, they finished eighth out of nine teams in the North Group after nine defeats in 14 matches.
They have revamped their side for the 2026 season, bringing in Moeen Ali on a T20 contract and two Australians – Sam Whiteman and AJ Tye, both BBL winners with Perth Scorchers – as locally qualified players.
Yorkshire have started poorly in the County Championship, with a draw at Glamorgan followed by a heavy defeat at home to Hampshire. Anthony McGrath promised changes after that loss, with Joe Root set to play against Sussex this Friday and Jonny Bairstow expected to return from a thumb injury.
