Hugh Morris, former England cricketer, dies aged 62
Hugh Morris, the former England cricketer who later served as chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, has passed away at the age of 62 following a prolonged battle with bowel cancer, reports BritPanorama.
The Cardiff-born opening batsman, who earned legendary status at Glamorgan County Cricket Club, died after what the Welsh county described as “extremely difficult” recent years since his diagnosis. His passing has prompted an influx of tributes from the cricket community.
Glamorgan led the remembrances, stating, “Glamorgan County Cricket Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glamorgan legend, trophy-winning captain and former CEO Hugh Morris MBE.” The club highlighted his significant impact on their history and cricket in England and Wales.
During his career, which spanned 17 seasons with Glamorgan, Morris made three appearances for England in the summer of 1991, notably helping secure a series draw against the West Indies. His first-class career saw him accumulate 19,785 runs at an average of 40.29, including 53 centuries, marking him as a prolific talent.
His playing days culminated triumphantly as Glamorgan claimed the 1997 County Championship, with Morris contributing a crucial century in the title-clinching victory over Somerset. Following his retirement, he took on several senior positions at the ECB, playing a key role in establishing the national academy and becoming managing director in 2007. Under his guidance, English cricket flourished, leading to three consecutive Ashes victories and the World T20 title in 2010.
Morris stepped down shortly after England’s third successive Ashes victory in 2013 before returning to Glamorgan as chief executive, where he revitalized the club’s finances, returning to profitability through effective management.
Former India cricketer and ex-Glamorgan teammate Ravi Shastri expressed his sorrow on social media, praising the integrity and contributions of Morris while former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell remembered him as “one of the game’s really good guys.”
Having battled throat cancer in 2002, which required significant surgery, Morris had initially achieved a clean bill of health in 2007, only for bowel cancer to emerge in 2021. His contributions to cricket were formally recognized in 2022 when he received the MBE for services to cricket and charity, as part of the late Queen’s final birthday honours list.
The legacy of Hugh Morris is not only etched in the records but resonant in the memories of those who played alongside him and admired his leadership. His life in cricket is a poignant reminder of the dedication and resilience found in sport’s community.
