Daryl Mitchell appointed PCA Chief Executive

Daryl Mitchell has been confirmed as the permanent Chief Executive of the PCA, following six months in an interim position.

The former Worcestershire batter takes up the role immediately and extends his connection with the PCA, following his most recent position as Chief Operating Officer.

Mitchell's relationship with the PCA stretches back to 2003 when he signed his first professional contract. The opening batter went on to play 537 games, scoring 19,696 runs, the majority whilst combining roles with the PCA. Appointed a representative of the Association by the Worcestershire squad in 2009, he held that position alongside a six-year stint as captain of the Pears.

In 2017, Mitchell was appointed Chair of the PCA, succeeding current Glamorgan Director of Cricket Mark Wallace, and led the Association through the landmark County Partnership Agreement negotiations and the Covid pandemic before completing his second term in 2021 and joining the PCA as Director of Cricket Operations, developing a newly established department. Swiftly promoted to Chief Operating Officer 12 months later whilst managing the Cricket Department, Mitchell has been a leading voice in representing player views with key stakeholders and worked closely with Chief Executive Rob Lynch, who he replaced in an interim role in July 2024.

Following the completion of several long-term negotiations in 2024 led by Mitchell, the PCA Board conducted a thorough recruitment process over recent months with an interview panel which included PCA President Eoin Morgan, Chair James Harris, Non-Executive Chair James Cameron and fellow directors.

PCA Chief Executive, Daryl Mitchell, said:

"I am delighted to have been entrusted by the PCA Players' Committee and the Board to lead the Association as the Chief Executive. Representing players has been a key part of my life since I became a PCA Rep in 2009.

"Following a progressive four-year stint as Chair and working as an employee of the Association since 2021, I am eager to hit the ground running and build on the advancements we have made on behalf of members in recent years.

"Evolution is the key to the future of our members and the PCA and forging even stronger relations with players is crucial to the game.

"Being a cricketer in today's world provides a wealth of opportunity, albeit with challenge and greater complexities than ever before for our members to navigate, both collectively and as individuals.

"I look forward to building closer working relationships with the ECB, professional counties, stakeholders and partners for the benefit of past, present and future cricketers in England and Wales."

PCA Chair, James Harris, said: "Throughout his career, Daryl has demonstrated excellent leadership, especially in the last six months as interim Chief Executive and he was the standout candidate from a very strong field in the recruitment process.

"The Players' Committee has been fully supportive in appointing Daryl, following the recommendation by our Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

"Daryl has a clear vision for the future of the Association and with a new playing Chair soon to be appointed, I am looking forward to supporting the team as the PCA continues to evolve and expand its work on behalf of its members."