Ashley Giles named Worcestershire chief executive

Former England cricketer Ashley Giles has been appointed as the chief executive of Worcestershire County Cricket Club. The 50-year-old returns to being actively involved in cricket after over 16 months of being sacked as England's managing director following their humiliating 4-0 loss in the 2021–22 Ashes series.

The position of Worcestershire’s chief executive has been vacant since 2019, with the county’s chairman, Fanos Hira, taking the initiative in operating the club. However, following his appointment, Giles will take up the role on July 3.

The club also hopes that Giles’ appointment could serve as an inspiration for players who are out of contract in 2023. The 50-year-old’s arrival could also spark some key players to extend their contracts with the club and help strengthen the squad even further.

Following the announcement, Giles came forward to reflect on his appointment as Worcestershire’s chief executive. He opined that living in Worcestershire for 25 years has helped him gain a deep appreciation for the club and the city.

"Having resided in Worcestershire for 25 years, having married and raised my children here, I have developed a deep appreciation for the club's rich history and recognise the immense potential for an exciting and promising future," Giles was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"I am eager to make a meaningful contribution to the club's growth and success and am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with our passionate members and supporters and collaborate with the entire club community to ensure exceptional performance both on and off the field," he added.

Fanos Hira also reflected on Giles’s appointment, opining that the entire club is delighted with the 50-year-old’s arrival and that expertise in the field would definitely help propel the club into a new era.

"His unparalleled expertise and exceptional track record in cricket administration make him the definitive choice to lead our organisation into a transformative era, we possess utmost confidence that his dynamic leadership and unwavering passion for the sport will serve as indispensable assets in propelling us towards success on and off the field," Hira said.