Terry Bates, chief executive of the Cricket Foundation has informed the Trustees that he wishes to retire at the end of the Summer in 2003.

He played a key role in the establishment of the 40 County Boards six years ago and the subsequent strong development programmes over the intervening period.

His lifelong involvement in sport for fifty years as a Physical Education teacher, in professional and semi-professional football and as a head of local authority leisure services, has stood him in good stead. But it is his lifetime involvement in cricket with his club, Bourne, as a player to current President and with Lincolnshire at youth and senior levels that has given him a deep understanding of the game.

As Director of Development and Administration with the National Cricket Association from 1991 to 1996 he was a leading figure in the development of grass roots cricket and became ECB's first National Development Manager.

The strengthening of development opportunities for young cricketers in schools and clubs and at county age range levels has considerably increased and improved since the Cricket Foundation was re-established in 1996 with Bates as its Director. Since 1997 the Cricket Foundation has awarded and monitored the investment of nearly £18 million in grass roots cricket.

Prior to joining the NCA in 1991, Bates was the General Secretary of the National Association of Young Cricketers and currently leads the ECB Racial Equality programmes and manages The Lord's Taverners grant aid scheme.

Cricket Foundation Ossie Wheatley paid tribute to his chief executive: "Terry has pursued with unflagging energy, enthusiasm and success the operational activities of 40 County Boards. The cricket world owes him a real debt. We hope we do not lose his experience completely as he has much still to offer. It has been a pleasure working with him."

At the end of the current season the Cricket Foundation trustees, in association with ECB, will consider the matter of the forthcoming vacancy.

© ECB