Hugh Morris, a distinguished figure in cricket, has passed away at the age of 62 following a battle with cancer. Morris represented England in three Test matches during the summer of 1991, playing a role in the team's notable draw against the West Indies. He also held the position of England's managing director from 2007 to 2013, a period marked by significant successes, including three Ashes series victories and the 2010 World T20 title.
Morris's most enduring legacy is tied to Glamorgan cricket club. Born in Cardiff in 1963, he debuted for the club at 17 and played for 17 seasons, concluding his playing career as Glamorgan won the County Championship in 1997. He scored 52 centuries for the club, a record he shares with Alan Jones, and captained the team to a Sunday League title in 1993, their first major silverware since 1969. His first-class career saw him amass 19,785 runs.
After retiring as a player, Morris held several senior roles at the ECB for 16 years, contributing to the establishment of the national academy. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002 but recovered and returned to the ECB. He also served as a patron for the charity Heads Up, raising substantial funds for head and neck cancer awareness. In 2013, Morris returned to Glamorgan as chief executive, successfully navigating the club out of severe financial difficulties and into profitability by the time he retired in December 2023. His health challenges resurfaced in 2021 with bowel cancer, which had spread to his liver. In 2022, he was awarded an MBE for his services to cricket and charity. Tributes have highlighted his significant contributions and gentlemanly nature.