A group of distinguished former Middlesex players, led by Mike Gatting and Desmond Haynes, has asked club members to press for board resignations at the annual general meeting on 15 April. Their open letter, also signed by Mike Selvey, John Emburey, Mark Ramprakash, Clive Radley and four past club presidents, argues the county’s governance has “structurally a mess, is devoid of accountability and lacks proper checks and balances”.
The intervention lands at an awkward moment. Middlesex remain in Division Two after relegation in 2024, are in special measures with the ECB because of long-running financial problems, and are facing a £1 million legal claim from former chief executive Richard Goatley. On Wednesday, the club even had to delay its traditional pre-season photocall when the new playing kit failed to arrive.
“As former players of Middlesex, we have become increasingly disturbed at the way the club has been allowed to sink to its current level,” the letter says. “Middlesex was once a byword for excellence in the game, a club with a proud history of success and a strong, competitive culture brought about by hard work on and off the pitch. Instead, around the counties the men’s teams now are variously regarded as ‘a soft touch’ and ‘lacking fight’.”
Key posts have been unsettled for months. Chief executive Andrew Cornish was put on leave in November while the Cricket Regulator looks into separate matters. Since then Mahdi Choudhury, on secondment from Marylebone Cricket Club, has acted as chief operating officer and company secretary.
Chair Richard Sykes has already floated the idea of demutualising – effectively moving away from member ownership – to raise funds for a ground outside Lord’s. That suggestion alone has split opinion among supporters who value the club’s independent identity.
“The club has been poorly led for too long,” the letter continues. “Middlesex is first and foremost a cricket club, but the leadership lacks any real cricketing knowledge. Only one person with first-class cricket experience [former England fast bowler Steven Finn] occupies a board position, while only two such former players appear on any of the club’s committees. The cricket administration is structurally a mess, is devoid of accountability and lacks proper checks and balances.”
Finn, asked about the criticism, said he understood the frustration but preferred to keep discussions “in-house until members have had their say”. A current squad member, who did not wish to be named, admitted the saga is “a background hum we could do without” as the new season approaches.
Financial oversight has been the central weakness. The ECB placed Middlesex in special measures in late 2023 after errors in pension payments and mounting deficits. Special measures restrict some spending and give the governing body greater visibility of accounts. An ECB spokesperson said the arrangement “remains under review” but praised the playing staff for concentrating on cricket during a turbulent winter.
Analyst view
A demutualisation could inject capital yet risks diluting member influence – the very oversight many feel is already lacking. Until a clear plan emerges, investors will be cautious, and the ECB’s watchful eye will stay.
Next steps
Members will vote on several resolutions at the AGM. While board resignations are not formally on the agenda, motions from the floor can trigger discussion. The open letter is designed to galvanise that process.
Selvey summed up the mood among signatories. “We’re not looking for revolution for its own sake,” he told local radio. “We just think the club has to remember what it’s for – playing winning cricket and representing Middlesex with pride.”
The first Championship match of 2026 is scheduled for 10 April. Whether the off-field row quietens before then may depend on swift action – or concessions – from those currently in charge.
