Orr, 22, had been part of the Sussex set-up since the age of ten and enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2022 when he amassed more than 1,500 runs in first-class and List A cricket combined, including three championship centuries and a 206 , a career-best 161 balls against Somerset at Taunton in the One-Day Cup.
However, his opportunities were limited in 2023, partly due to a knee injury and subsequent finger dislocation, and with Sussex missing out on promotion in the County Championship and also the playoffs of both limited overs tournaments, has chosen to move forward.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play for Hampshire, it’s a club I’ve always followed very closely,” Orr said. “I look forward to contributing to the club’s success in the future and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hampshire battled for silverware in all formats in 2023, reaching T20 Finals Day for a record tenth time before losing the One-Day Cup final by two runs to Leicestershire. The club also finished third in the county championship after memorable victories over two title contenders, Essex and champions Surrey, in their last two matches.
Giles White, Hampshire Director of Cricket, added: “Ali has had an encouraging start to his career, he has a strong desire to win and I think he fits perfectly into our team.
“During our conversations, he impressed me with his determination to challenge himself and improve. He has stepped out of his comfort zone to join us and we are all looking forward to welcoming him to Hampshire.”
Orr is the latest high-profile player to leave Hove, following George Garton’s recent decision to leave his boyhood club and link up with his former Sussex manager Mark Robinson at Warwickshire.
“Sussex Cricket has agreed to terminate Orr’s contract for him to make the move and will receive compensation from Hampshire for the move,” read a club statement.
“Orr had one year left on his contract and was looking to renegotiate terms with the Club, however, as this was not possible, he signaled his intentions to move elsewhere.
“Everyone at Sussex Cricket would like to wish Ali all the best in his career.”