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 Sharp has pledged to support that policy.
He 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, Sharp 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.
Sharp 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.
After five seasons with Shropshire from 1993, Sharp 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.
Sharp 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, Sharp 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.
"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.”
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