Lancashire chief dies of coronavirus

MANCHESTER: Lancashire County Cricket Club Chairmran David Hodgkiss has died at the age of 71 after contracting coronavirus.

Hodgkiss, who had been on the board at Old Trafford for 22 years, is understood to have had underlying health issues.

Having previously served as treasurer and vice-chairman, he took over from Michael Cairns in April 2017 and was a central figure in the renovation of Old Trafford over the past decade — a period of refurbishment, including the construction of The Point and the raising of £9 million of public funding for the new Hilton hotel.

The success of these plans was reflected in Old Trafford being awarded both the prestigious India v Pakistan World Cup fixture last summer, and the first semi-final.

“Further to the announcement from his family, it is with great sadness that Lancashire Cricket announces the passing of its Chairman, David Hodgkiss OBE,” read a club statement on Monday morning. “David served the club with distinction over many years including holding the offices of treasurer, vice-chairman and latterly chairman.