Club Celebrates Former Players' Day

Leicestershire CCC welcomed back a host of fabled stars on Sunday as the Club celebrated Former Players’ Day.

Ex-Foxes heroes, including 1975 title-winning duo Barry Dudleston and John Steele, were in attendance as Leicestershire began the first day of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Middlesex at Uptonsteel County Ground.

After catching up with the current crop of Foxes players and coaching staff on the outfield, the pantheon of former favourites mingled with supporters during the luncheon interval, revelling in their shared memories of some of the Club’s greatest days.

Former Head Coach, Tim Boon, as well as the likes of Harry Gurney and Nick Cook “ who both went on to play for England after beginning their careers with Leicestershire “ also graced their former home, as did more recent representatives including Hassan Azad and Abi Sakande.

The annual event, which coincided with County Cricket Day “ a fan led initiative aimed at celebrating the first-class game - was hosted by Club Chair, John Thorpe, Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, and Club President, Jack Birkenshaw MBE.

Discussing the day, Club Chair, John Thorpe, said: “It was an honour to welcome back some legends of Leicestershire CCC to celebrate their outstanding contributions to our rich history.

“We always champion the value of having a ‘Foxes Family’, and days like these give everyone connected with Leicestershire an opportunity to come together and reminisce about the shared love we have enjoyed while playing and following our great Club.”

Players in attendance (from left to right: John Steele, Claude Henderson, Peter Booth, Rodney Pratt, Jack Birkenshaw MBE, Geoff Coe, Barry Dudleston, Abi Sakande, George Knew, Nick Cook, Tim Boon, Hassan Azad, Harry Gurney.)

Supporters can join some of Sunday’s esteemed guests “ including Barry Dudleston, John Steele, Peter Booth, and Jack Birkenshaw MBE “ for a 50^th anniversary celebration of Leicestershire’s 1975 Championship title on 7 July at King Power Stadium. Places can be booked by emailing hospitality@leicestershireccc.co.uk