Image Credit- Getty
The seasoned
broadcaster Alan Wilkins has been named Glamorgan’s new president for a
three-year tenure.
Left-arm seamer Wilkins made 243 first-class wickets in eight seasons with
Glamorgan from 1976 to 1983. He also took 130 wickets in List A matches,
helping the club win its first-ever one-day final in 1977 against Middlesex.
Following his retirement, Wilkins started a career in broadcasting, initially
in South Africa before moving on to become the voice and face of BBC Wales’
sports coverage, which mostly focused on cricket, rugby, and football. His
current employer is Star Sports India.
Born in Cardiff,
Wilkins said he had come “full circle back to where my cricketing journey
began”, as he prepares to succeed Gerard Elias, who is stepping down at
the end of a four-year term.
“Firstly I am thrilled, and honoured to have been considered for the role
of President, knowing who has held the position in the past,” Wilkins
said. “I have travelled a lot through my work as a broadcaster, and that
journey has brought me home.
“I want to make a difference, both on and off the field for
Glamorgan,” he added. “We have some fresh faces coming in, myself
included. I know our new Head Coach (Grant Bradburn) well from my travels with
Pakistan, and I cannot wait to see his brand of cricket out on the hallowed
turf of Sophia Gardens.
“I honestly feel good things are coming here, I still get goosebumps and
butterflies looking out onto that field, and wish I could still play!”
Glamorgan CCC Chair,
Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, said: “I am delighted that Alan has accepted the
Board’s invitation and I know he will add huge value as we move forward into a
period of potential change.
“Not only will Alan add cricket expertise, gathered from his years of
playing and commentating, but he is so well known and respected throughout
world cricket that he will be well placed to support the club as we create a
new Glamorgan future.”