The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced that David Morgan has been confirmed as its new Chairman, his candidature having been endorsed by the 39 members of the ECB - the 18 First Class Counties, the 20 non-First Class County Boards and the MCC.

He will take over responsibilities from the current Chairman, Lord MacLaurin, on 1 January 2003.

David Morgan said: "It is a great privilege to be elected as the new Chairman of the ECB and to have received the backing of its 39 members. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to play a major role within cricket's national governing body, and to help plan the sport's future.

"I fully intend to provide firm leadership for the game, but I have a natural consultative style and will always be receptive to listening to, if not always embracing, the views of others.

"Cricket in England and Wales has made enormous strides forward under Ian MacLaurin in the six years since the ECB was created to succeed the old Test and County Cricket Board, the Cricket Council and the National Cricket Association.

"We are one of the few national governing bodies that embraces the whole of its sport. We have generated much-needed additional income from the de-listing of televised Test Match cricket, only last year signed a lucrative three-year television contract, brought in and now enhanced the England central contracts system, and have established a National Academy to develop the next generation of England players.

"There is much to celebrate, but still much more to be achieved.

"Cricket is very much the national summer sport and we must ensure it remains so. We have no automatic right to occupy this position, and will continue to be innovative, progressive and 'inclusive' in the way we manage and develop the sport.

"My priorities for the future will revolve around continuing the support for the England team; helping to build on the many strengths of First Class county cricket and ensuring that the grassroots of the game continue to be encouraged. Today's youngsters represent tomorrow's future - and that's why the ECB and its members are together spending over £7m per annum on developing the game at grassroots level.

"Cricket has a huge future and I look forward to playing my own small part in delivering this."

© ECB