Yorkshire County Cricket club chair to stand down

Lord Kamlesh Patel will step down as chair of Yorkshire at the club's next annual general meeting.

Lord Patel joined Yorkshire in November 2021 following the fallout from Azeem Rafiq's allegations the previous year of racist treatment while at the county.

Patel oversaw a period of reform that resulted in international cricket returning to Headingley and a focus on improving equality, diversity and inclusion but also resulted in the departure of a significant number of staff.

Lord Kamlesh Patel, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Chair said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to work for such a prestigious organisation.

“I have made the difficult decision to step aside at the next AGM and enable the Club to continue on its important journey of change under a new Chair.

“I would like to thank those Members who have been hugely supportive of the changes that the Board have introduced at Headingley. I would also like to thank the staff and Board Members who have all worked tirelessly during what has been a transformational period in Yorkshire’s history.

“There is still much for the Club to do, but I have the strongest faith that Yorkshire will be back at the pinnacle of English cricket for the long-term.”

Stephen Vaughan, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive said: “Kamlesh should be extremely proud of what he has achieved at Headingley during his tenure as Chair.

“The structures that have been put in place are vital in ensuring that Yorkshire is a Club that people are proud to be associated with.

“Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity are at the heart of our Club and I am excited to work with the Board, executive team and new Chair to continue on this journey of meaningful change.”

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.