Hugh Morris, a former England opener and respected cricket administrator, died at 62 after a long battle with cancer. Morris is widely regarded for his contributions to the game, and his legacy includes both his playing career and a highly prominent administrative career in English and Welsh cricket.
Hugh Morris, born in Cardiff in 1963, grew up with Glamorgan and Welsh cricket.
Morris was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021, which later progressed to his liver. He continued to participate in the game for as long as his health allowed. He resigned as Glamorgan’s CEO in September 2023 to focus on treatment and family, having worked through much of his illness.
Morris made his first-class debut for Glamorgan at the age of 17, while still attending Blundell’s School in Devon, where he had already made news for smashing batting records. He went on to have a 17-season career with Glamorgan, scoring 19,785 first-class runs with an average of more than 40. He captained the county twice and led them to their first major trophy in 24 years, the Sunday League championship in 1993.
He was present when Glamorgan won the County Championship in 1997. Notably, Morris was instrumental that season, scoring a century in the final match against Somerset. He retired later that year, having tied the club record of 52 first-class centuries. Meanwhile, Morris played three Tests for England in the summer of 1991, two of which were against a strong West Indies team. He also led England A and Young England on overseas tours.
After retiring from playing, Morris moved into administration. He served the England and Wales Cricket Board for 16 years, becoming chief executive in 2007. His tenure coincided with one of England’s most successful periods in Test cricket, including three consecutive Ashes series wins and the 2010 World T20 triumph. He stepped down in 2013, a day after England completed a 3-0 Ashes whitewash.
He later returned to Glamorgan as chief executive at a time when the club faced severe financial difficulties. Under his leadership, the club was stabilised and returned to profit. He also played an important role in securing Sophia Gardens as the home of Welsh Fire in The Hundred. His contributions were formally recognised with an MBE in 2022, and he was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.
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