ECB Honorary Life Vice-Presidents Announced – Alec Stewart, David Lawrence Honoured

ECB Honours Six Legends as First-Ever Honorary Life Vice-Presidents

In a deeply symbolic and progressive move, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the appointment of six distinguished individuals as the inaugural Honorary Life Vice-Presidents, recognizing their lifelong contributions to cricket in England and Wales. This milestone announcement came during the ECB’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Southampton on May 14, 2025. It marks the launch of a prestigious new accolade aimed at celebrating those who have transformed the sport on and off the field through exceptional service, dedication, and barrier-breaking achievements.

The recipients come from both the professional and recreational landscapes of cricket, bringing with them stories of passion, resilience, leadership, and legacy-building. The six honourees were each presented with a commemorative silver bat, an emblem of their enduring impact on the game.

A New Standard of Recognition in English Cricket

Until now, there has been no formal structure at the ECB's highest level for acknowledging individuals who have made long-standing or transformative contributions to cricket. This new Honorary Life Vice-President title sets a precedent, establishing a symbolic recognition that sits alongside the Cricket Collective Awards and the Business of Cricket Awards as the sport's highest civilian honour in the UK.

ECB Chair Richard Thompson emphasized the importance of this moment, noting how each honouree has left a significant imprint on the game through leadership, inclusivity, and decades of service.

“This new accolade is about more than just long service — it’s about impact,” said Thompson. “These individuals have broken down barriers, inspired generations, and left lasting legacies.”

The Six Trailblazers and Their Remarkable Journeys

One of the standout honourees is Alec Stewart, former England captain and one of the most prolific wicketkeeper-batters in cricket history. With over 8,000 Test runs and a monumental influence on Surrey County Cricket Club as Director of Cricket, Stewart exemplifies on-field excellence and off-field leadership. Under his stewardship, Surrey achieved four County Championships, including a rare and historic three-peat, solidifying his legacy as both a player and a visionary.

Also honoured was David Lawrence, who made history as the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England. A fearsome fast bowler in his prime, Lawrence’s contributions go beyond statistics. Now serving as President of Gloucestershire CCC, he continues to inspire through his advocacy and courage, particularly in the face of his recent motor neurone disease diagnosis.

In grassroots cricket, Raj Cherodian has dedicated over 30 years to Ifield Cricket Club, where he has coached youth players, spearheaded community outreach, and raised funds for essential infrastructure. Similarly, Keith Cook, who recently retired after more than 50 years with Warwickshire CCC, remains a beloved figure for his unwavering service behind the scenes.

Helen Smith’s contributions to Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough Cricket Club span 47 years, where her tireless efforts in promoting women's and youth cricket have left a lasting legacy. Meanwhile, Ron Pearson, after 63 years at Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club, continues to embody grassroots passion and development, earning him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.

Cricket’s Broader Impact: Growth in Women’s Game and Youth Participation

The timing of the announcement couldn’t be more fitting. As the Honorary Life Vice-Presidents were honoured, the ECB’s 2024/25 financial and participation data also painted a promising picture of cricket’s expansion.

In the year ending January 31, 2025, the ECB reported a turnover of £319.6 million and a pre-tax profit of £2.6 million, outperforming expectations in a year that did not include an Ashes or India Men’s Test series.

More importantly, participation numbers are on the rise. Recreational cricket saw 198,000 fixtures recorded, up from 178,000 in 2023. The number of clubs with junior sections increased to 2,693, and the women’s and girls’ game saw a 23% increase in fixtures and a 21% rise in girls' teams now standing at 2,658.

These numbers reflect a growing ecosystem, and the ECB’s latest move to acknowledge those who help nurture this growth sends a clear message: impact matters more than fame.

Honouring Legacy, Inspiring the Future

The creation of the Honorary Life Vice-President honour is more than just ceremonial. It represents a cultural shift within English cricket one that values inclusion, perseverance, and community building as much as elite performance.

Each of the six recipients has demonstrated how cricket is more than just a sport; it’s a social catalyst, a space for unity, and a lifelong journey. Whether on international pitches or at local village greens, their contributions are intertwined with the game’s evolution.

Their stories are not only inspiring but necessary reminders of the many silent heroes in cricket. As ECB Chair Richard Thompson put it:

“They embody the very best of cricket’s values: passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to inclusion and excellence.”

As these inaugural awardees raise the bar, they leave a trail for the next generation to follow. Their silver bats shine not just with honour, but with the legacy of service, love for the game, and a commitment to keep cricket thriving in every corner of England and Wales.