Former Essex cricketer and Club President Keith Fletcher OBE has been granted an Honorary Life Vice-President award by the ECB.
For the second year running, the ECB has granted six Honorary Life Vice-President Awards to celebrate and recognise individuals from the professional and recreational game who have given long service to the sport, or made an exceptional contribution to making cricket a more inclusive sport or growing the cricket and breaking down boundaries.
This year’s winners are:
• Keith Fletcher OBE. A prolific batter who was England Men’s Captain and later coached the national team. Served as President of Essex CCC until the end of 2025.
• Dennis Amiss MBE. An England international for over a decade he devoted more than 65 years to Warwickshire and the county game, serving as player, Chair, Chief Executive and President. Later served as England Selector and ECB Vice-Chair.
• Enid Bakewell MBE. One of the most influential figures in women’s cricket, becoming a trailblazing England all-rounder long before the professional era. Scored over 1,500 international runs, took 75 wickets and won the inaugural Women’s World Cup with a match-winning 118. Playing in her 80s, she remains an inspiration.
• Bharat Patel. Has made an exceptional contribution to cricket and his community in Leicestershire over more than 40 years. Instrumental in creating a coaching programme for youngsters, and growing the club’s All Stars and Dynamos offer to more than 100 participants, also helping establish a women’s and girls’ setup with more than 30 members.
• Cate Hayes. Devoted more than 20 years to creating one of the most inclusive and successful junior and women’s cricket programmes in Nottinghamshire. Has helped grow West Bridgfordians CC’s junior section from a small group to more than 400 players across every age group, ensuring there are sufficient volunteers at the club to oversee a packed calendar of over 200 junior fixtures. Champions women’s cricket, creating a thriving, welcoming pathway for girls and women at WBCC.
• Mick Hornsby. Has dedicated his life to cricket, representing Eastrington CC in Yorkshire for many years, umpiring for over a decade and later serving as groundkeeper into his 90s. His commitment has been so profound that the club proudly named their pavilion in his honour, and his passion, loyalty, and influence have shaped generations.
After being granted the award Keith Fletcher said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be granted such an incredible award.
"Representing Essex at County level and England an Test Match level were such special memories and I'm proud to receive this honour."
Everyone at Essex Cricket would like to congratulate Keith on this amazing award.
