Former England batsman and ECB chief Hugh Morris dies aged 62

Hugh Morris, the former England and Glamorgan batsman who also served as chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, has died aged 62.

The opening batsman was prolific in the County Championship, scoring 19,785 runs and scoring 53 hundreds for Glamorgan.

He played three Tests for England in 1991, with a high score of 44.

Morris would go on to be a leading figure in cricket administration, with his most senior role as Chief Executive of the ECB. He was awarded an MBE for serviced to cricket and charity in 2022

The Welshman was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2022 and it was announced on Sunday that he has died at just 62 years old.

It was the second time in his life he had suffered with cancer, having been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002.

A statement from Glamorgan read: ‘Glamorgan County Cricket Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glamorgan legend, trophy winning captain and former CEO Hugh Morris MBE.

‘Hugh was a hugely respected and much-admired figure within the game, whose contribution to cricket in England and Wales will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.’

Morris is a legend at Glamorgan, captaining the team to the Sunday League title in 1993, which was their first major trophy since 1969.

He was also a key part of the team as the Welsh club won the County Championship in 1997.

Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri, who played with Morris at Glamorgan, wrote: ‘Really gutted to hear of the passing of teammate and captain Hugh Morris. Baanas, God bless your soul.

‘You were honest in whatever you did, and did a bloody good job. Heartfelt condolences to the family. Respect.’

Former England batsman Neil Fairbrother wrote in tribute on X: ‘First met Hugh when he was my under 19’s captain, a great bloke, devoted family man and wonderful man of cricket!!! Will be sorely missed by all who knew him. RIP HUGH’

Iconic former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell posted: ‘Sad to hear of the passing of my old team mate Hugh Morris MBE @GlamCricket @englandcricket.

‘One of the games really good guys Will be sadly missed #RIPHugh.’

Dan Cherry, the man who succeeded Morris as Glamorgan CEO in 2023, said: ‘Hugh holds a very special place in the history of Glamorgan Cricket as well as in the hearts of the Club’s supporters for his efforts, both on and off the field.

‘He was a man of great energy and a true gentleman, whilst his achievements will live long in the Club’s record books and I doubt if any batter in any county team will ever surpass Hugh’s seasonal record of 2,276 first-class runs.

‘As a player and administrator, Hugh led from the front and fearlessly fended off whatever thunderbolts opposing bowlers sent in his direction. He inspired us with his actions, whether with the bat in hand or leading us in the field, besides helping to save the cash-stricken Club when foreclosure seemed a possibility and finally inspiring all he met while bravely undergoing prolonged and challenging treatment.’