David Hodgkiss, the chairman of Lancashire Cricket Club has passed away on Monday after contracting coronavirus. He was aged 71 and was on the board of Lancashire CC for 22 years since 1998. He used to serve as honorary treasurer and vice-chairman before succeeded Michael Cairns as the chairman of the club in April 2017.
“Further to the announcement from his family, it is with great sadness that Lancashire Cricket announces the passing of its Chairman; David Hodgkiss OBE,” the club said in a statement on Monday.
“David served the Club with distinction over many years including holding the offices of Treasurer, Vice Chairman and latterly Chairman. He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire Cricket Club and respected throughout the cricketing world,” the statement further read. “He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire Cricket Club and respected throughout the cricketing world. Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Lancashire will release another statement in due time as well. David Hodgkiss was also served as chief executive of steel fabrication company the William Hare Group and he was awarded OBE for his exceptional services to manufacturing and exporting as well.
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LCC Chief Executive Daniel Gidney paid his tributes on Twitter, writing, “I am absolutely devastated to lose my great friend. RIP David.”
Colin Graves, the ECB chairman, said: “David was a vital part of cricket in Lancashire and was passionate about growing and developing the sport in the county. He played an integral role in the redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford and Its status as a leading international ground is a testament to his hard work and dedication. On behalf of everyone at the England and Wales Cricket Board, our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Lancashire County Cricket Club at this sad time.”
In the United Kingdom, the novel coronavirus pandemic has affected 22,141 people so far and 1408 people have died as well. Globally, it has now infected more than 7,50,000 people and more than 37,000 have infected by the virus.
