Colin Graves, the previous chairman, made a successful comeback to the Yorkshire boardroom. He has received approval to join the club as a new non-executive director and is anticipated to resume his position as chair in the near future. His appointment is currently awaiting confirmation for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for Friday, February 9. If all goes as planned, a new era will commence at the esteemed club.
Significantly, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has approved the necessary modifications to the club’s regulations, enabling Graves to rejoin the club.
Colin Graves, an experienced cricket administrator, formerly served as the head of Yorkshire from 2012 to 2015.
Nevertheless, his early participation can be traced back to 2002, a crucial period during which his assistance as the creator of the Costcutter grocery chain rescued the club from financial ruin. Surprisingly, the club still owes a sizable sum—nearly £15 million—to his family trust, which is under the control of independent trustees.
Subsequently, Graves was compelled to resign from the position following the club’s imposition of a substantial penalty amounting to £400,000 due to their failure to address issues related to racism. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) criticized him for his previous remarks, which included downplaying accusations of racism as simple ‘banter’. Nevertheless, there was a significant shift in circumstances with Colin Graves’ recent expression of remorse towards the victims of systemic racism within the club.
This has made his return to the club easier because the ECB now sees him as the best option to protect the Yorkshire club during its financial difficulties.
“I am grateful and fortunate to have been chosen and to return to Yorkshire CCC.” Colin Graves expressed his commitment to diligently collaborate with the board in order to address the current financial situation of the club and establish long-term financial stability and sustainability for Yorkshire Cricket in the future.
“Furthermore, I assure both members and the general public of Yorkshire that everyone, regardless of their background, community, or ethnicity, will be warmly received in the completely inclusive atmosphere and setting of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club.” There will be no exclusions whatsoever. I have wholeheartedly expressed my apologies for any and all errors, committed either by myself or the club, throughout the distressing and challenging years of the recent past. “Lessons have been acquired,” he appended.
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