Durham Cricket Board Chairman Bob Jackson MBE has taken the decision to retire from his role after 51 years of service to recreational cricket administration in Durham.
Bob is stepping down following a strong summer for grassroots cricket across Durham, having led the Board through the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, ensuring the full recovery of the sport county-wide and reaching record numbers playing the game recreationally.
Bob hands over the Board in a position of immense strength and reputation, with Durham excelling in recent years in a number of key areas culminating in the recognition of the Board as County Board of the Year in 2018.
In recognition to his outstanding work at leading grassroots cricket and the obvious impact and link to the professional game, Bob was presented with a lifetime achievement award from Durham Cricket at the club’s Paul Collingwood Medal Player of the Year Dinner this year.
Although Bob is stepping down from the Chairman position, he will remain involved in recreational cricket, having accepted the role of President of the Durham Cricket Board.
A process for recruiting the next chair will be announced soon.
Bob will also remain a director of Durham County Cricket Club and Chair of the Foundation and will continue to be active within the game.
Bob Jackson said: “I am proud to leave the Board in a strong position. Cricket has fully recovered from a difficult season during the pandemic and I step down in confidence that the Board and cricket will continue to progress.
“We have built a good reputation nationally – ECB has recognised us as a high performing Board and I’m sure this will continue in the future.
“Cricket in Durham is dear to me and I have been fortunate to be able to lead the sport through the years. I am pleased that I will remain involved in the game in the capacity of President of the Board.”