Former England fast bowlers Devon Malcolm and David ‘Syd’ Lawrence are among the figures recognised for their service to cricket in today’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Malcolm, currently the ECB’s Black Communities Liaison Officer, has been awarded an OBE for Services for Cricket and Diversity in Cricket, while Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England and who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, receives an MBE.
Former batter and wicket-keeper Steve Davies, who also represented England in ODIs and IT20s, also receives an MBE for services to sport. In 2011 Davies became the first international cricketer to announce he was gay.
Also awarded MBEs for services to cricket are Sanjay Patel, who launched The Hundred as the competition’s first Managing Director and is now Interim Chief Executive Officer of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and Bryan Henderson, Director of Cricket and NFL for Sky, the ECB’s long-term strategic broadcast partner.
From the recreational game, Nasa Hussain, Facilities Manager at Bradford Park Avenue and a key figure involved in running the pioneering all-weather Domes located there, receives a British Empire Medal as does Derek Picken who has given more than 50 years of service to Rogerstone Welfare Cricket Club near Newport, Gwent.
ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “Huge congratulations to all those recognised in today’s King’s Birthday Honours. They have each made a huge impact on the game in their own way — on the field, behind the scenes, and by making the game more accessible and inclusive to players and fans alike. These honours are a well-deserved celebration of their passion, dedication, and the difference they’ve made to cricket and beyond.
“Devon Malcolm’s recognition is richly deserved. As one of the fastest bowlers to ever represent England, his unforgettable spell of 9 for 57 at The Oval against South Africa remains etched in cricketing history. Beyond his on-field heroics, Devon has been a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the game, inspiring generations of young cricketers from all backgrounds, and is playing an important role in helping the ECB reconnect with Black communities.
“David (Syd) Lawrence’s honour is a tribute to his resilience, talent, and enduring impact on the sport. As the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, he was a pioneer and it was tragic that his career was cut short by injury. David has since become a powerful voice for change, championing greater representation and opportunity within cricket, and he is inspiring many more people with his courage and resilience following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease.
"Steven Davies has made a huge contribution to cricket and sport more widely, both for his skill on the field and as a role model who has paved the way for greater inclusivity in our sport. His MBE is a well-earned recognition of his impact.
“As the architect of The Hundred, Sanjay Patel brought innovation to the domestic game, creating a competition that has found new audiences and generated interest across all age groups.
“Bryan Henderson’s contribution to cricket broadcasting has been exceptional. As the driving force behind Sky Sports’ world-beating cricket coverage, he has elevated the way the game is presented and experienced by millions.
“It is people like Nasa Hussain and Derek Picken who are the lifeblood of our sport. I know from my visits to Bradford Park Avenue how much time and energy Nasa gives to the club and the community, and his dedication is remarkable. By devoting more than 50 years of service to Rogerstone Welfare Cricket Club, David shows just how much we owe to the volunteers right across England and Wales without whom grassroots cricket simply wouldn’t be able to happen.”
Devon Malcolm, former England Men’s fast bowler and ECB Black Communities Liaison Officer, said: “When I heard the news I had to sit down. To be honoured for my contribution to cricket and diversity in cricket is so special. You’re in this game for the love of it, and when your contribution is recognised like this it’s off the scale.
“Cricket has been part of my life for 50 odd years. It’s been fantastic to me. My family has been instrumental to my success in cricket so this honour is for them as well.
“I’m pleased to have been able to give something back to cricket, but cricket’s given me so much more. I want to continue to do what I can to build connections and promote the game.”
Former England Men’s fast bowler David Lawrence, who was recently named one of six Honorary Life Vice-Presidents of the ECB, said: "It is an incredibly proud moment to have been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It is not something that I ever thought would sit after my name, but I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.
"As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times.
"I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease. With awareness and funds for research we can make a positive difference for those who will need it in the future."
Sanjay Patel, Interim Chief Executive Officer Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and former Managing Director of The Hundred, said: "I feel very privileged. It's been brilliant to have had the opportunity to work in a sport I love. I'd like to thank all the people who've supported me, and the brilliant team that helped build The Hundred and make it the success it's been."
Bryan Henderson, Director of Cricket and NFL, Sky Sports, said: “I’m very honoured and humbled. It’s a tribute to all the amazing people I’ve been lucky enough to work with at Sky and in the sport I love.”
Nasa Hussain, Head Groundskeeper and Facilities Manager, Bradford Park Avenue, said: “I’m humbled and proud to be recognised. Cricket has been part of my life for my whole life, and to receive this for services to cricket – I don’t think I could ask for anything else. It’s unbelievable.”
Derek Picken, Chair of Rogerstone Welfare Cricket Club, said: “I’m very emotional to receive this honour and it is very pleasing to receive such recognition. I’ve been involved with Rogerstone Welfare CC since 1952 and I really enjoy it to this day. It keeps me active – I can just about handle coaching the Dynamos children at my age of 86 – and it keeps me mentally active as well. I’m going to keep going for as long as I’m able to!”