ECB Chairman Colin Graves today paid tribute to ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Managing Director Steve Elworthy and ECB’s international umpire Sue Redfern after both were awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Elworthy, 53, has previously been Tournament Director for four different ICC global events held in England and Wales, and one in South Africa – the ICC Champions Trophy in both 2017 and 2013, The ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and the ICC World T20 tournament in 2009.
He was also tournament director for the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 tournament held in 2007 in South Africa, for whom he made four Test and 39 ODI appearances. During his playing career, the former fast bowler helped South Africa win the 1998 Commonwealth Gold and reach the semi-final of the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
Elworthy has also held the positions of Director of Marketing and Communications at the England and Wales Cricket Board since joining in 2008 and was previously Commercial Director at Cricket South Africa.
Redfern, who played six Test Matches and 15 ODIs for England between 1995 and 1999, began her umpiring career in 2013 and combines the role with her position as a Regional Clubs and Facilities Manager for ECB.
Last summer Sue became the first female cricketer to have played and officiated at a Cricket World Cup. She broke new ground in 2015 after being appointed as one of two female umpires for a men’s ICC World Cricket League fixture and she has also officiated in men’s County 2nd XI cricket.
ECB Chairman Colin Graves said: “This is great news for Steve and Sue and for all their many friends and colleagues at every level of the game. Under Steve’s stewardship the ECB – and cricket in England and Wales – has set the benchmark for the successful delivery of ICC global events.
“Steve can reflect with great pride on delivering four very successful tournaments to date and he, and his team, are now fully focused on making next summer’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 the best-ever.
“Sue’s MBE is richly deserved as well and reflects the greater opportunities now open to women and girls at every level of cricket. She has been a fantastic role model for women and girls who aspire to an umpiring career and we warmly congratulate her on today’s award. “
Commenting on his award, Steve Elworthy said: “I am extremely honoured to receive an MBE and highly appreciative of those who put my name forward as this is not something that you ever consider a possibility. I have been very fortunate to work with brilliant teams over my years in cricket – from playing to administration – and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Clare Connor, ECB Director of England Women’s Cricket, paid tribute to Sue’s contribution to the game. She said: “Sue has made rapid progress in her umpiring career to date and is now widely recognised as one of our leading umpires – officiating at a high level in both men’s and women’s cricket. Today’s award is fitting recognition for her contribution to our game and testament to the commitment and passion she has shown in breaking new ground for women in cricket in this country.”
Commenting on her award, Sue Redfern said: “I’m really thrilled to have been honoured, this is completely unexpected and a very pleasant surprise. I’d really like to thank everyone who’s helped me in my career to date. It is important to me that more women see they can also get involved in umpiring or other roles within cricket, regardless of previous experience. It’s really satisfying that the contribution we make to the game has been recognised in this way.”
Brenda Trenowden, who was recently appointed to the ECB’s Board as one of four new non-executive directors, has also been awarded a CBE for her services to the financial sector and gender equality.
She is the Head of Financial Institutions for ANZ Banking Group and global chair of the 30% Club, a campaigning organisation which advocates increased representation for women in senior leadership roles.