Bears bowler Olly Hannon-Dalby appointed new PCA Chair

Olly Hannon-Dalby has been elected as the new Chair of the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) and will be ratified at its Annual General Meeting next month.

The PCA Players’ Committee elected Olly, who has more than 10 years’ experience as a PCA Representative, following a thorough independent process and he becomes the 16^th Chair of the Association.

The 35-year-old replaces James Harris who will step down following the completion of his second two-year term at the AGM, the maximum allowed in accordance to the PCA constitution.

Hannon-Dalby, who is the fourth PCA Chair to play for Warwickshire, regularly supports the Club’s youth coaching, has been an avid advocate of the Disability Access side, and volunteers his time for countless community initiatives.

Warwickshire awarded him a Testimonial year in 2024 – in which he supported the Cricketers’ Trust – in recognition of his outstanding service to the Club,.

Hannon-Dalby brings considerable experience and understanding of player issues to the role and has been a leading voice on the Players’ Committee at AGMs, Summits and County Partnership Agreement meetings.

“I’m extremely proud to become Chair of this great Association,” said the 6ft 8ins seamer, “and I want to thank everyone that voted. It’s an exciting time to be a professional cricketer so I’m looking forward to being involved in the decision making processes.

“Having sat on the Players’ Committee for over 10 years, I know that as a collective we must strive to protect our county game. County cricket has been very kind to me and I think we should all be very proud of our 18 counties.

“However, freedom of movement is a topic of paramount importance amongst the playing group, so is an element we must look to protect.

“The way in which the women’s game has improved in recent years is inspirational and a lot of that is testament to the hard work of the PCA.

“Continuing to support women’s cricket will ensure that the next generation of young girls can strive to live their dreams as professional cricketers, helping to advance the whole game in England and Wales.

“Collaboration with key stakeholders is vital to our success as an Association. It’s especially important to have a healthy and robust relationship with the ECB, we won’t get it all our own way but without the players there is no game, our strength is in our numbers and remaining strong to create a united front.”

PCA Chief Executive, Daryl Mitchell, said: “We are thrilled Olly has been voted in as the new Chair of the Association by his peers on the Players’ Committee.

“Olly has given so much to the game on and off the field since making his debut 17 years ago. I think the Players’ Committee has elected an influential figure capable of taking the Association forward.

“He is widely respected as a leading voice in the county game and I’m looking forward to working closely with him as we look to enhance cricket in England and Wales.”