It comes near the end of a season when his appearances have been severely restricted through knee problems.

Mushtaq has spent six years with Sussex and has played a major part in the unprecedented success that the county has enjoyed in that time.

Taking 598 wickets in all competitions and bowling over 26,000 overs, Mushtaq has bowled his way in to the record books and has become an integral part of the Sussex community.

In his time at the county, Sussex have won three County Championships, as well as two one day trophies, namely the C&G Trophy in the double winning season of 2006 and the Totesport Division Two title in 2005.

Having been the leading wicket taker in the County Championship for the past five years (2003-2007), Mushtaq has made his mark on English cricket.

Mushtaq said: "I would firstly like to thank Allah for providing me with this great family. This is a very hard decision for me to make, as I feel that I could possible play one more year, but out of respect, I would only do that if I felt one-hundred per cent and I wouldn't want to risk that for the family.

"I am going to miss playing for the club greatly. I am truly honoured to have spent six wonderful years here. There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the club, but I would like to specially thank Peter Moores, Mark Robinson, Chris Adams, all my teammates, all the fans and everyone who is part of this magnificent family for all the opportunities and memories that they have provided me with.

"My love, my feelings and my heart will always be with Sussex and I will always pray to Allah for continued success at Sussex."

Mark Robinson, Professional Cricket Manager, said: "I don't think that it will ever be possible to overplay the enormous influence Mushtaq has had on Sussex in recent years. His record as a player and the trophies that he has helped us win will speak for itself, but I would like to pay tribute to him as a person from myself and all the people whose lives he has touched for the enormous influence he has had on us."

Chris Adams, Sussex captain, said: "Mushtaq's legacy at the club is that he leaves us statistically, romantically and emotionally the best player to ever pull on a Sussex shirt. In view of the impact he's made, it's difficult to think of another cricketer who has achieved or done more for one county. His legacy extends beyond the playing arena, as I'm sure all that have been graced by his presence will agree. He is simply a great man."