Hampshire Cricket chair to stand down after securing men's Ashes Test
Rod Bransgrove will stand down as Hampshire chair at the end of the year having finally secured a men's Ashes Test for the county.
Bransgrove saved Hampshire from financial ruin when he was elected 23 years ago and orchestrated their switch from Northlands Road to their current home of the Ageas Bowl, just after the turn of the century.
Having the venue stage a men's Ashes Test for the first time became an "obsession" for Bransgrove in recent years but his ambition will be realised after the Ageas Bowl was allocated a match in 2027.
While he intends to stay in his post with Southern Vipers, the 72-year-old has announced he will resign from Hampshire, who have won seven limited-overs trophies since 2005.
"Being chair of Hampshire has been a huge honour and one of the greatest experiences of my life," said Bransgrove, who will be succeeded by current deputy chair Nick Pike.
"When I took on the role, I set out with three clear objectives; to create teams which could compete in all formats, develop the new stadium into an established international ground and to build a business which would safeguard the future of Hampshire Cricket long into the future.
"Over the last two decades and more, we have achieved all of this and so much more.
"As with every sports team, there have been low points and disappointments, but these are far outweighed by our successes - the three T20 titles, four victorious appearances in Lord's finals and the dawn of the Vipers, who have dominated women's cricket over the last seven years.
"My dream has long been to host an Ashes Test at our fabulous venue and, with confirmation from the ECB that this will now happen in 2027, I believe my work within the sport is nearing its completion.
"Our club has a long and rich history; I am honoured to have played a part in its story and look forward to attending as a supporter for many years to come."