Lancashire Chairman David Hodgkiss dies due to Coronavirus

Lancashire Cricket Club chairman David Hodgkiss, 71 has died after contracting Coronavirus. The 71-year-old Hodgkiss who had served the board at the Emirate Old Trafford for 22 years, complained of his underlying health issues in the last few days as reported by the ESPN Cricinfo. 

Joining the board in 1998, Hodgkiss also served as a treasurer and Vice-Chairman, as he took over from Michael Cairns in April 2017 and also played a significant role in the renovation of Old Trafford over the past decade. The success of that was reflected in Old Trafford that was the most prestigious India v Pakistan World Cup fixture last summer, and the first semi-finals. 

“David served the club with distinction over many years including holding the offices of treasurer, vice-chairman and latterly chairman. He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire Cricket Club and respected throughout the cricketing world,” the statement read.

“Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with his family. A further statement will be released in due course but at this time we ask that everybody respects the family’s privacy.

“He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire Cricket Club and respected throughout the cricketing world. Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with his family,” it added.

Matt Parkinson, the Lancashire and England leg-spinner received the club cap from Hodgkiss in 2018 said:

 “Such sad news. A great man who always had time for everyone and loved the [red rose]. Will remember his capping speech for a long time

Luke Sutton, the former Lancashire batsman turned player agent, added: “Such sad news. David was a really lovely man who loved Lancashire cricket.”

Hodgkiss had also served as the Chief Executive of the Steel fabrication company the William Hare Group, was also awarded the OBE for services to manufacturing and exporting. 

So far, the COVID-19 pandemic has so far taken over 35,000 lives till now, with the US reporting over 1,00,000 cases till now.