Former England batsman Hugh Morris has died aged 62 following a near-three year battle with bowel cancer.
Morris was diagnosed with the disease in January 2022 and, despite initially returning to work, left his role as Glamorgan chief executive in September 2023 to be with his loved ones as he underwent treatment.
A prolific opening batsman, Morris scored 19,785 runs and 53 hundreds in the County Championship for Glamorgan, where he had two spells as captain and led them to the Sunday League title in 1993. He was also part of their 1997 County Championship winning side.
‘[We are] deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glamorgan legend, trophy winning captain and former CEO Hugh Morris MBE,’ the county club said in a statement.
‘Hugh was a hugely respected and much-admired figure within the game, whose contribution to cricket in England and Wales will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.’
Morris also played three Tests for England in 1991, captaining the side on tours of South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka before later going on to serve as the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Former England batsman Hugh Morris has died aged 62 following a battle with bowel cancer
Morris (left) scored 19,785 runs and 53 hundreds in the County Championship for Glamorgan
During his tenure, the England men’s Test team had one of their greatest-ever periods, winning three consecutive Ashes series. Morris resigned the day after the final victory in 2013.
Born in Cardiff, the Welshman then returned to Glamorgan, reducing the club’s debts in his role as chief executive as well as helping establish Sophia Gardens as the home of the Welsh Fire Hundred franchise.
Morris was succeeded as the club’s chief executive by Dan Cherry, who paid tribute to him as a ‘man of great energy and a true gentleman’.
‘Hugh holds a very special place in the history of Glamorgan Cricket as well as in the hearts of the Club’s supporters for his efforts, both on and off the field,’ Cherry said.
‘He was a man of great energy and a true gentleman, whilst his achievements will live long in the Club’s record books and I doubt if any batter in any county team will ever surpass Hugh’s seasonal record of 2,276 first-class runs.
‘As a player and administrator, Hugh led from the front and fearlessly fended off whatever thunderbolts opposing bowlers sent in his direction.
‘He inspired us with his actions, whether with the bat in hand or leading us in the field, besides helping to save the cash-stricken Club when foreclosure seemed a possibility and finally inspiring all he met while bravely undergoing prolonged and challenging treatment.’
Morris was awarded an MBE for services to cricket and charity by King Charles in late 2022
Morris’s battle with bowel cancer marked the second time he had faced the disease, having previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002.
After surviving the disease, his work as a patron of Heads Up – a charity supporting research into head and neck cancer – saw him awarded an MBE for services to cricket and charity in November 2022.
Morris was also inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in September 2024, and is regarded as one of the country’s greatest-ever sportsmen.
Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri, who played with Morris at Glamorgan, said: ‘Really gutted to hear of the passing of teammate and captain Hugh Morris. Baanas, God bless your soul.
‘You were honest in whatever you did, and did a bloody good job. Heartfelt condolences to the family. Respect.’
