County news – Ronnie Irani steps down as Essex Cricket Committee chair

Club stalwart oversaw rich era of success, stemming from appointment of Chris Silverwood

Irani has fulfilled the unpaid role for about six years. In that time, Essex have won five trophies including the County Championship in 2017 and 2019 and the Bob Willis Trophy in 2020. They were in Division Two when he took on the role.

With his business interests growing, however, Irani feels he no longer has the time required to continue in the position. He estimates he has dedicated around 40 hours a week to the club over the last few years and, with his company (R&D Advisors) now employing 40 people, he has feels he needs to commit more time to it. He will remain on the club’s board and his company remains one of Essex’s sponsors.

“It’s been an incredible turnaround for Essex over the last six seasons and I’m proud of the part I’ve played in that,” Irani said. “When I became Chairman of the Cricket Committee on a voluntary basis we were underachieving and not playing to our potential. We won Division Two in my first season and won a first County Championship title in 25 years the following year.

“Since then, we’ve added another three trophies to the cabinet, including that incredible double in 2019 and become one of the best and most successful cricket clubs in the world. We’re lucky to have quality in the squad and I feel the structure we’ve put in place has helped the players and coaching staff achieve their goals.

“It’s been an amazing journey and one I can look back on with immense pride. I feel that I’m stepping down with the club in a good position, and I have no doubt there are more trophies on the horizon.

“At this time my business commitments must come first, but my passion and support for Essex cricket will never go and I look forward to more success at the club in the future.”