The chair of Worcestershire County Cricket Club has retired after five years in the position.

Fanos Hira, who also served on the club's board, initially joined a subgroup of the board in 2014 before joining the main board in 2016.

His tenure as chair began in 2018, during which the club experienced substantial competitive success, including winning the Vitality Blast in 2018, securing the runner-up position in 2019, and clinching a promotion to Division One this season.

 

 

Read more: Worcestershire head coach coach shares Brett D'Oliveira injury update

 

 

Reflecting on Mr Hira's contributions, his vice chair, Paul Pridgeon, said: "His efforts and commitment, as a volunteer, have been tireless over the years.

"Fanos has guided the Club through very tough times, including substantial governance reform, the challenging Covid years, and the recent cost-of-living crisis, and his impact on the Club cannot be underestimated.

"It is fitting that he has retired as we achieve Division One status, which was always his hope for our Club.

"I wish him all the very best for the future and thank him for his efforts and considerable achievements over the last decade."

Aside from his duties in Worcestershire, Mr Hira also fulfilled various roles within cricket, including membership of the representative board of 18 first class counties and the MCC, and the role of Observer on the ECB Main Board.

Earlier this year, he produced the Financial Review of ECB Finances.

Recalling his time with the club, Mr Hira said: "It’s been an honour to be involved so closely with Worcestershire over such a long period.

"I am grateful to all staff, coaches, and players for their tireless efforts.

"There have been many highlights for me, but this season, it has been particularly pleasing to see the immediate progress in white ball and red ball cricket under the leadership of the Club’s coaching and management team."

Mr Hira added: "I wish everyone associated with Worcestershire all the very best for the future, and I look forward to watching the team continue to entertain and compete in the coming years."

The club is now set to begin an open process to appoint a new chair.