Essex release Robin Das after cricketer faces rape charges at Inner London Crown Court
Synopsis
Essex County Cricket Club has terminated batter Robin Das's contract after he appeared in court on two rape charges, with a five-day trial set for January 2028. Das, who made just one first-team appearance this season, was arrested in August 2025 over an alleged Brixton incident from March 2024 — a timeline that spans over two years from alleged offence to courtroom.
Key Takeaways
Essex confirmed the release of batter Robin Das on 9 October 2026 following his court appearance.
Das appeared at the Inner London Crown Court and was granted conditional bail ; a five-day trial is scheduled for January 2028 .
He faces two counts of rape , with the Metropolitan Police having arrested him in August 2025 over a reported incident in Brixton in March 2024 .
Essex stated the contract termination was separate from the legal proceedings and stemmed from Das's suspension and inability to fulfil playing obligations.
Das made 60 career appearances for Essex, with his only 2026 outing being a One-Day Cup match against Middlesex on 21 July 2026 , scoring 29 runs .
English county cricket club Essex on Friday, 9 October 2026, confirmed the termination of batter Robin Das's playing contract after he appeared before the Inner London Crown Court on two counts of rape. Das was granted conditional bail and faces a five-day trial scheduled for January 2028.
The Charges and Legal Proceedings
According to the Metropolitan Police, Das was arrested in August 2025 following reports of a woman being raped in Brixton in March 2024. He was formally charged with two counts of rape in July 2026. Friday's appearance at the Inner London Crown Court marked a key procedural milestone, with the trial now set for early 2028.
Essex's Official Statement
Following the court hearing, Essex issued a statement confirming the end of Das's contract. 'Essex County Cricket Club is aware of today's court proceedings involving Robin Das. The club recognises the seriousness of the matter and will not comment further on the circumstances of the case,' the club said.
The club was explicit that the contractual decision stood on its own footing: 'Das's playing contract with Essex ended before the conclusion of the 2026 season following his suspension and his resulting unavailability to fulfil his playing obligations. This decision was separate from the ongoing legal proceedings.'
Safeguarding and Regulatory Commitment
Essex also underlined its commitment to player welfare and governance standards. The club stated it 'has robust safeguarding and disciplinary procedures in place and regularly reviews these to ensure they remain appropriate,' adding that it would 'continue to work closely with the ECB, PCA and The Cricket Regulator as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards across the club.'
Das's Record at Essex
Robin Das, based in Leytonstone, east London, made a total of 60 appearances for Essex across his career. His sole first-team outing during the 2026 season came on 21 July 2026, when he scored 29 runs in a One-Day Cup match against Middlesex — shortly before he was charged by police. The trial is expected to take place in January 2028, and Das is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a court.
Point of View
Which already battles visibility and sponsorship constraints, such episodes intensify scrutiny of player vetting and safeguarding frameworks. The ECB and The Cricket Regulator will likely face calls to clarify how quickly clubs must act when charges are filed, rather than waiting for playing-commitment grounds to become the stated rationale.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Essex release Robin Das?
Essex released Robin Das because his suspension following rape charges meant he was unable to fulfil his playing obligations during the 2026 season. The club stated the contractual decision was separate from the ongoing criminal proceedings.
What charges does Robin Das face?
Robin Das faces two counts of rape. According to the Metropolitan Police, he was arrested in August 2025 in connection with a reported incident involving a woman in Brixton in March 2024, and was formally charged in July 2026.
When is Robin Das's trial scheduled?
A five-day trial has been scheduled for January 2028 at the Inner London Crown Court. Das appeared in court on 9 October 2026 and was granted conditional bail ahead of that hearing.
How many times did Robin Das play for Essex?
Robin Das made 60 career appearances for Essex. His only first-team outing in the 2026 season was a One-Day Cup match against Middlesex on 21 July 2026, in which he scored 29 runs.
What safeguarding steps has Essex taken?
Essex stated it has robust safeguarding and disciplinary procedures that are regularly reviewed. The club confirmed it is working closely with the ECB, the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), and The Cricket Regulator to maintain high standards.
