Darren Gough has stepped down from his role as managing director of cricket at Yorkshire.
The former England fast bowler was appointed to the post in December 2021 in the wake of the racism allegations that rocked the sport.
Gough said: “It’s been an absolute honour to work for my boyhood club over the last two seasons.
“Having stepped in at a very challenging time, we’ve worked hard to steady the ship and develop our cricket department to ensure we can return to the top tier of English cricket.
“Following conversations with the club, I have decided now is the right time to step away from my role and give someone else an opportunity to take our playing squads forward.
“I’d like to thank all of our players, staff, members and fans for their considerable support over the last few seasons and wish them all the very best for the coming year. I will always be a Yorkshire Cricket supporter and look forward to returning to watch our teams in the coming years.”
Gough’s representatives had insisted he could not have come to the aid of those sacked after he was appointed at the height of the racism crisis.
In an interview, Wayne Morton, one of 14 dismissed for speaking out against Azeem Rafiq’s claims in a private letter, said the former England bowler had been “despicable” for taking on the role.
Morton did not state that Gough had any involvement in the sackings but he called him “despicable” for taking on the job while “his friends and former colleagues suffered”. Previously the pair had been close, with Morton saying he was once like a “second dad” to Gough.
However, Clifford Bloxham, Gough’s agent, hit back at Morton’s claims. “Darren was not working for YCC at the time the 20 staff were dismissed,” Bloxham told Telegraph Sport. “I know this for a fact as I was party to the communications. Anybody claiming otherwise is factually wrong.”
A statement from Yorkshire said the club would take time to consider the best structure going forward before appointing any replacement.
Colin Graves, recently reappointed as chairman of Yorkshire, said: “I’d like to express our sincere thanks to Darren for the work he has put in over the last few seasons.
“Darren is a club legend in his own right having enjoyed two very successful stints as a player here and now helped us through some very difficult times.
“Everyone at the club would like to wish him all the best for the future, and we look forward to welcoming him back to Headingley again soon.”
