Morris steps down as PCA chief
Sean Morris, left, aside Hugh Morris in the United Arab Emirates during England's disrupted tour of India last year
Sean Morris has decided to step down as chief executive of the Professional Cricketers’ Association from the end of October.
It is expected that the current PCA chairman, Worcestershire captain Vikram Solanki, will take on an enhanced role in the light of Morris’ departure.
Morris, 41, the former Hampshire batsman, has headed the representative body for first-class cricketers in England and Wales since January 2008, when he replaced Richard Bevan.
His tenureship included the challenges of dealing with the rise of Twenty20 leagues, and also England's rescheduled series in India last winter.
A PCA statement read: “During the last 18 months Sean has guided the PCA through possibly the most turbulent period in the game’s history and amidst this backdrop he has represented the PCA and the players with distinction.
“His close relationships with the England captains and the team has been essential in steering them through the many international issues that the game has encountered and his involvement in the England team returning to India after the Mumbai attacks has been warmly appreciated by cricket administrators and players across the international game.”
Morris was also responsible for delivering a 35% increase in PCA commercial income despite the difficult financial climate.
Morris said: “I would like to place on record my thanks to all of the players for the support they have given me over the last 18 months.
“We’ve certainly been through some interesting times together and I wish them well in the future. Thanks also to the leading stakeholders in the game who I have had the pleasure of working with.
“I hope the PCA will continue to cement close relationships with them which will certainly benefit the game as a whole. Finally, I am extremely grateful to the PCA team for their hard work and energy in delivering a number of notable achievements over the last 18 months.
“I am now looking forward to pursuing a number of exciting opportunities and will be using my experience to make a meaningful contribution in other areas within sport.”
