Gooch elected PCA President

Former England captain Graham Gooch has been appointed the new President of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, succeeding Andrew Flintoff.

An ardent supporter of the PCA, the Essex legend follows on from the likes of Flintoff, David Lloyd and Sir Ian Botham in holding the honour and will remain President for a minimum of two years.

A career spanning 27-years where he accumulated an astonishing 67,057 runs, Gooch has been involved with the PCA since he became a member in 1973 and has furthered his relations in recent years with ambassadorial work.

In 2016 the former opening batsman started the PCA’s 50^th anniversary celebrations by donating £50,000 to the PCA Professional Cricketers’ Trust, a generous gesture which was ring-fenced for proactive education programmes to be delivered to current players.

Funds went into the PCA’s Personal Development and Welfare Programme to provide workshops on the risks of gambling, drive safety and mental health education within the first-class academies.

The 64-year-old becomes the eighth PCA President and his tenure comes at an important time in English cricket leading into the new T20 competition in 2020.

The election of the new President was ratified by the PCA Committee which consists of player representatives from each county dressing room.

“It’s a great honour when you’re asked to be the figurehead of a prestigious organisation like the Professional Cricketers’ Association,” said Gooch.

“It’s important that we continue to get their views on how they want their organisation to go forward and how they want their cricket in this country to go forward.”

Formed in 1967, the PCA celebrated its golden jubilee in 2017 and has since undergone a re-brand to coincide with a new website and member only mobile application to help communicate messages with its membership.

The developments came as a result of surveys where members were questioned on how they would like to be communicated with and as Gooch explains, it is important the PCA continues to evolve.

“As an organisation we need to look to improve all the time and find new ways to support players.

“The PCA has grown over a long period of time and I have enjoyed seeing the progression as a member.

“I’ve been doing some work for the PCA for a number of years. I believe in the concept of supporting past players, educating present players and giving them a different perspective of life apart from just playing the game.

“I believe in the UK (in particular) and also around the world, that cricket is a bit of a family. Young players who were coming into the game when I was around were offered very little support, with the PCA you now know you’re going to get good and impartial advice.

“We have a responsibility to the game and to all the players who have played the game to keep our cricket alive.”

PCA Chairman Daryl Mitchell gave his reaction to Gooch accepting the honorary role while paying tribute to Flintoff, who will remain a trustee of the PCA Professional Cricketers’ Trust and Mental Health Ambassador, after his Presidency term came to an end.

“His dedication to the PCA has been there for all to see over the years and I’m sure his legendary status on the field will continue off the field in supporting the PCA in his new position,” Said Mitchell.

“He is of course taking over from Fred who did a great job in his two years as President, powerfully supporting the PCA Professional Cricketers’ Trust and also helping organise a special 50^th Anniversary Dinner last November were clear highlights.

“Fred has always been a supporter of the PCA and I have no doubt that will continue long after passing the baton over to Graham.”