Mitchell thrilled to win PCA chair vote - The Worcester Observer

Mitchell thrilled to win PCA chair vote

Worcester Editorial 25th Feb, 2017   0

WORCESTERSHIRE batsman Daryl Mitchell has spoken of his pride at being named the new chairman of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA).

The respected former Pears skipper was formally revealed as the new head of the PCA at a dinner on Tuesday (February 21) and will serve a four-year term.

Mitchell will follow in the footsteps of Glamorgan wicketkeeper Mark Wallace and becomes the third Pear to take on the role after Vikram Solanki and Tim Curtis.

The Badsey-born batsman defeated the challenge of Graham Onions, Paul Horton, Stephen Crook and James Hildreth in two rounds of voting to be handed the prestigious role.




Speaking during a press conference at New Road on Thursday, the 33-year-old revealed his pride at his election.

“I’m very proud, anything you get voted on by your team-mates and players you have played against is an honour,” he said.


Mitchell has been Worcestershire’s PCA representative since 2009 and admitted he would have still considered the role had he remained as Pears skipper.

“It’s something that’s been on the radar, something I have thought a lot about and whether I wanted to get involved,”

“It’s well known I would have wanted to continue as captain here and it’s something I would have done anyway. I think Vikram Solanki and Mark Wallace married the two jobs of chairman and county captain pretty well.

“Moving on with the water under the bridge, it probably will relieve the pressure and give me more time to focus not only on my batting and scoring runs but the role of chairman,” he added.

Mitchell becomes chairman as the PCA celebrates its 50th anniversary with a host of events including a major bike ride at the end of the season.

The opener said he wanted to hear from fellow players and would seek to be available for players during the season.

“Who knows what will crop up but I think it’s important to continue the good work the PCA do in terms of personal development of players to aid the transition from professional cricket into another role in the real world.

“At any stage you are only one injury or a poor run of form from being out of the game so personal development is vital from a young age.

“I’ve tried drumming home in the dressing room how important it is to try and set yourself up to go into something outside cricket because that day will come where you won’t be playing cricket anymore.

“Whether you are 19 or 33 everyone must strive to work towards something outside the game,” he added.

One of the key aspects of his role will be the continued focus on the mental health of players.

“From personal experience I am not too well versed but we have people like Marcus Trescothick and Michael Yardy still well involved with the game, people who have been there with experiences to share,” he added.

The new role will reunite Mitchell with former Pears all-rounder and chief executive David Leatherdale, who serves as the PCA Chief Executive.

“I have a lot of respect for David, a lot of trust in him and have played with him in the second team initially,” he said.

“We have a good relationship and meeting up will be easy as we are both close to the city.

“David will be there for the day-to-day running of the organisation. I don’t think there is a lot broke which needs fixing.

Leatherdale backed the appointment and said the working relationship they first established at New Road would help them hit the ground running.

“There were some strong candidates, but Daryl’s been around for 13 or 14 years now.

“The players know him and what he stands for. He’s trusted and respected.

“For Daryl to go through the process of being elected by more than 400 of his peers show the regard he’s held in.

“It’s ironic that, having been his boss when I was chief executive of Worcestershire, he’s now effectively my boss as chairman of the PCA,” he added.

Visit www.pca.co.uk for more information.

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