The ECB mourns the former England Men’s Test cricketer and administrator Hugh Morris MBE, who has died aged 62.
Morris, born in Cardiff in 1963, is remembered as one of Glamorgan’s most respected figures both on and off the field. An elegant left-handed opener with a calm temperament he would score more than 28,000 runs across formats for his home county after making his debut while still a schoolboy in 1981.
Morris was appointed as Glamorgan’s youngest-ever captain, aged 22, in 1986 and five years later earned his three Test caps for the England Men’s team.
Though his international career was brief, his domestic achievements were substantial. Morgan led Glamorgan to a drought-breaking Sunday League title in 1993, during his second stint as captain, and was a part of their 1997 County Championship title-winning team. He earned a reputation as one of the most technically assured openers of his generation scoring 53 first-class centuries.
After retiring from playing, Morris transitioned seamlessly into off-field leadership. He served as Glamorgan’s chief executive and was the first Managing Director of England Cricket, where he played a pivotal role in modernising the national setup.
His tenure oversaw structural reforms, investment in player development and the foundations of England success, including three successive men’s Ashes series wins – including the 2010/11 tour of Australia - and the breakthrough 2010 ICC World T20 victory while he was Managing Director.
Returning to Glamorgan in later years, most significantly as Chief Executive Officer, Morris continued to champion Welsh cricket with the same passion he had shown as a young opener walking out at Sophia Gardens. His commitment to strengthening the county system and promoting the sport across England and Wales has left a long-lasting legacy.
Morris was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in Her Majesty’s 2022 Birthday Honours for services to cricket and charity.
ECB chair, Richard Thompson, said: “Hugh Morris was a true giant of our game who played a transformative role in shaping cricket in England and Wales.
“He will be remembered as much by what he did on the field, as what he did off the field. He gave his life to cricket in a selfless and extraordinary way.
“He personified the values and qualities that make the game so special and Hugh so unique.
“From everyone at the ECB, I would like to offer my condolences to Hugh’s family and friends.”