Lord Kamlesh Patel has announced he will step down as Yorkshire chair at the Club’s next Annual General Meeting.
Lord Patel, who took over from Roger Hutton in November 2021 at the height of the club’s racism crisis, endured a turbulent tenure that began amid the suspension of Headingley’s international hosting rights and the withdrawal of a raft of sponsors that left the club facing bankruptcy.
His response to that crisis included sanctioning the sacking of Yorkshire’s entire backroom staff in the wake of Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of institutional racism – a move that continues to be contested by the affected parties.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to work for such a prestigious organization,” Patel said in a statement issued by Yorkshire. “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, Yorkshire’s 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.”
More to follow.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo