ECB announces David 'Syd' Lawrence as an Honorary Life Vice-President
13 May 2025
Club President and cricketing champion, David 'Syd' Lawrence, has been announced by the ECB as one of six Honorary Life Vice-Presidents.
The new initiative celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to breaking down barriers or demonstrated extraordinary long-term service to the game.
David 'Syd' Lawrence's son, Buster Lawrence, accepted the award on Sy'd behalf at the ECB AGM earlier on Tuesday.
The six – three from the professional game and three from recreational cricket – were presented with commemorative silver bats to mark the honour at today’s ECB Annual General Meeting in Southampton.
The six recipients are:
- Raj Cherodian – For over 30 years, Raj has volunteered at Ifield Cricket Club, dedicating himself to growing the game both locally and across the Sussex community. From fundraising for new facilities to coaching youth players, his commitment has been unwavering.
- Keith Cook – Keith retired this year after more than 50 years as Cricket Operations Manager at Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Since joining in 1973, he has been a constant presence through the club’s evolution—from portacabins to the modern Edgbaston. His embodiment of the 'Once a Bear, Always a Bear' spirit made him a beloved figure among players and staff alike.
- David 'Syd' Lawrence – A formidable fast bowler with 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire and five Test appearances for England, David was the first British-born Black cricketer to represent the national team. Now President of Gloucestershire CCC, he continues to inspire with his courage and resilience following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease.
- Ron Pearson – Ron has spent 63 years transforming Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club into a true community hub. From player to secretary, his leadership has built vital facilities and nurtured youth development. He was also honoured with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2025 National Cricket Collective Awards.
- Helen Smith – Helen has devoted 47 years to Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough Cricket Club. From scoring and preparing teas to founding the Colts section and launching women’s cricket programmes, her passion has been central to the club’s growth.
- Alec Stewart – A legend of English cricket, Alec scored 8,463 Test runs across 133 Tests, setting the standard on the field and later as a coach and Director of Cricket. Under his leadership, Surrey CCC secured four county championships, including a historic three-peat. He remains a brilliant role model for the game.
Pink 4 Syd - Gloucestershire v Hampshire (Friday 20 June 2025)
On Friday June 20, during Gloucestershire’s T20 match against Hampshire, the Seat Unique Stadium will turn pink to raise vital funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
During the match, Gloucestershire players will wear limited edition pink adidas playing shirts, and supporters are encouraged to wear something pink to show their support for Syd and the MND Association.
On Syd's recognition, Neil Priscott, Gloucestershire Cricket CEO, said:
"It’s a tremendous honour for a Gloucestershire legend to be recognised in this way, and we are immensely proud of Syd for his outstanding contribution to the game of cricket, in which he continues to play a vital role.
"He is a true trailblazer, and the award of Honorary Life Vice-President is a fitting testament to his standing both within the Club and on the national stage."
Until now, the ECB had no formal process at the highest level for recognising those who have made significant contributions to the game. These new accolades will be awarded annually to a select few individuals who have helped grow the sport, broken down barriers, or given extraordinary service as players, volunteers, or employees. They represent the pinnacle of ECB recognition, alongside the Cricket Collective Awards and the Business of Cricket Awards.
Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said:
“It is a tremendous honour to recognise these six remarkable individuals as our first-ever Honorary Life Vice-Presidents. Each of them has made an extraordinary contribution to cricket - whether through decades of selfless volunteering, pioneering achievements on the field, or tireless work behind the scenes. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the many ways people enrich our game and help it thrive in communities across England and Wales.
“This new accolade is about more than just long service - it’s about impact. From grassroots dedication to leadership at the highest levels of the professional game, these individuals have broken down barriers, inspired generations, and left lasting legacies. They embody the very best of cricket’s values: passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to inclusion and excellence.
“As we look to the future, it’s vital that we continue to celebrate those who devote themselves to our sport. These inaugural Honorary Life Vice-Presidents set a high bar, and I hope their recognition will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. On behalf of the ECB, I extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to each of them.”
Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to congratulate Syd and the other five recipients on receiving their Honorary Life Vice-Presidencies.
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