Former Yorkshire batter Kevin Sharp has been nominated to become the next president of the Yorkshire CCC Players’ Association, and his appointment is expected to be confirmed at the Association’s annual general meeting at Headingley on May 3.

He will take over the presidency from Peter Whiteley, the Association’s chair, who has worked hard to strengthen links with Yorkshire’s women’s players, and Kevin has pledged to support that policy.

Kevin was 17 years and 155 days old when he became Yorkshire’s second youngest debutant behind Doug Padgett (16 years and 321 days) in 1976, although several other players have since represented the county at a younger age.

An attractive and naturally talented left-hander, Kevin first hit the national headlines in 1978 when, as captain of England Under-19s, he rattled up an unbeaten 260 against the West Indies at Worcester. 

England won the three-match ‘Test’ series largely due to his consistent batting.

Kevin was with Yorkshire until the end of his benefit season in 1991, by which time he had played in 195 first-class matches, scoring 8,426 runs with 11 centuries, 39 half-centuries and a top score of 181. 

He was also one of their leading List A players, scoring 4,776 runs in 206 matches with three centuries and 28 half-centuries.

Kevin Sharp

Picture by Vaughn Ridley/SWpix.com. Kevin Sharp. 

After five seasons with Shropshire from 1993, he turned to coaching and became one of the most popular and well respected in the country. 

He was appointed director of cricket at Bradford-Leeds Centre of Excellence and returned to Yorkshire as coach in 2003. At various times since, has coached the likes of Michael Vaughan, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root.

Kevin left Yorkshire to begin a successful career in coaching at Worcestershire CCC, including that of head coach, and two years ago he ended 47 years of full-time involvement in professional cricket.

Commenting on his nomination as president, Kevin said: “Yorkshire cricket has played a huge part in my life as both a player and as a coach. 

“I feel privileged and honoured to be asked by Peter Whiteley to become the next president and feel very excited about returning to the club in this capacity.

“There is no doubt that the success and welfare of YCCC is in my blood, and since my wife and I decided to return to Yorkshire I have been hoping that there was something I could do to help and contribute knowing that the club has been massively challenged over the past couple of years.

“It is my hope that I can play my part in galvanising the relationships with current players, those of my era and those who have recently moved on from the professional game.

Kevin Sharp

Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com. Former Yorkshire batting coach Kevin Sharp and skipper Anthony McGrath.

“In addition, the women’s game and disability cricket have advanced enormously over the last few years, and it will be important to bring all players together.

“I can’t wait to get involved, watch some cricket and renew my relationships with club chair Colin Graves, president Jane Powell, my friend Geoff Cope, ex-team-mates, players I have worked with in a coaching capacity, and members and employees of the club.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Worcestershire CCC. 

“Yorkshiremen Steve Rhodes and David Leatherdale gave me the opportunity to coach there 10 years ago, and I will always treasure and cherish the relationships and friendships that I have made. I sincerely wish the club well.”

Peter Whiteley said: “It will be great to see Kevin back at Yorkshire, and I am sure he will be able to help us form stronger links with the club.

“Discussions with the new directors indicate a strong willingness to engage with former players and rebuild a sense of pride in cricket at Yorkshire.

“Our committee has discussed how it can broaden the range of activities to better meet the needs of all players, and it is taking steps to broaden the membership to include current and former women’s players who have represented the county. The annual meeting agenda includes a resolution to allow this to take place.”

Kevin Sharp

Picture by Harry Trump/Getty Images. Kevin Sharp during his days as Worcestershire’s head coach. 

Related News

View all news
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 19/05/2023 - Cricket - The Charlotte Edwards Cup - Northern Diamonds v Western Storm - Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England - Northern Diamonds' Sterre Kalis.

Yorkshire Women sign Sterre Kalis

Yorkshire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce the signing of Dutch international Sterre Kalis on a three-year contract for Yorkshire Women.  

Read more
Harry Duke

Harry Duke excited by Anthony McGrath reunion

Harry Duke is relishing the prospect of linking up with Anthony McGrath once again having spent a brief time under his leadership at Essex during the early stages of the 2024 summer. 

Read more
Root and Brook

Brook and Root reflect on special day with England

Harry Brook says his enforced time away from the game at the start of the year was a contributing factor to him amassing a stunning 317 for England against Pakistan today.

Read more
An image of Lauren Winfield-Hill and Adil Rashid, with the Yorkshire logo and Northern Diamonds logo in the middle

Sign up to our newsletter

For all the latest news, previews, ticket, membership and Premium Experiences information and more exciting content from Yorkshire Cricket and the Northern Diamonds straight to your inbox, subscribe now.

To view our privacy policy, click here.