Worcestershire has announced a club legend and former captain as its new country president.

The club has confirmed that Phil Neale OBE will succeed Cynthia Crawford MBE in the position for a two-year term from 2024 to 2026.

The appointment process will be subjected to members' approval during the annual general meeting, set to take place at the Graeme Hick Pavilion on Wednesday, March 27.

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Neale has acquired lots of experience in a variety of cricket sectors since his Worcestershire debut at the end of the 1975 season.

During his decade-long captaincy, Worcestershire won two County Championships, two Sunday Leagues, the Benson and Hedges Cup, and Refuge Assurance Cup.

Neale ended his illustrious career in 1992 with 17,445 runs in first-class cricket and 7,253 in List A cricket, occupying the 11th and fifth spots in Worcestershire's all time scorer list, respectively.

Neale said: "I’m pleased to be back and contributing in any way I can which is obviously with my cricket knowledge.

“I was particularly grateful during my time as captain to Don Kenyon when he was President for the support he gave me through the cricket committee.

“If I can do anything similar for the current cricket management, to give some support on the cricket side, then I’m very happy to do that."

Neale has said he is delighted to reunite with Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles, whom he has known for a long time having already previously collaborated with at Warwickshire and England.

He said: “I’ve known Ash for a long time and I’m delighted with the way his career has progressed since he stopped playing.

“When he moved to Worcestershire, I was confident it would be a very good move for everybody and, from the reaction I’m getting from around the place, I think that is proving to be true."

Worcestershire acting chair, Paul Pridgeon, who played under Neale at New Road, welcomed the appointment.

He said: "The board are delighted that Phil has agreed to become our new president and take over from Cynthia who has done a great job in the role.

"He will be a great ambassador for the club and is popular with our members and supporters."