Yorkshire's general committee are spending this weekend in special meetings at Headingley to decide on a new format for

opening the West Stand at Headingley.

Their plans have been thrown into confusion now that former Prime Minis-ter John Major has pulled out of performing the ceremony.

He reluctantly decided on this drastic course of action after several of Yorkshire's leading ex-players had said they would not be attending the event, which will be staged on August 15 on the eve of the fourth Test between England and Australia.

At the same time, the controversial new Sir Leonard Hutton gates will be dedicated by his widow, Lady Dorothy, who was due to be accompanied by Major.

Fred Trueman, Ray Illingworth and Geoff Boycott had all said they would not turn up because, although they had no axe to grind with John Major, they felt the ceremony should have been performed by a Yorkshire person.

Boycott had even said that he would strongly support Trueman being handed the job.

Now the committee will have to decide whether to ask Trueman or one of Yorkshire's other top ex-players to do the job or

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some other top personalisty or celebrity born within the county.

With time of the essence, they may even decide to let Lady Hutton open the West Stand at the same time as dedicating the gates.

Major said in his statement: "I was invited to open Headingley's West Stand many months ago and I was honoured to

accept.

"I have enjoyed many great cricketing moments at Headingley and was delighted to have the opportunity of repaying, in a

small way, some of the warm and generous hospitality Yorkshire has extended to me.

"I am, of course, President of Surrey CCC and on the committee of the MCC. My love for cricket is well known - both at

county and international level. Len Hutton was not only one of Yorkshire's greatest cricketers, he was one of England's

greatest too.

"The opening of the West Stand and the Sir Leonard Hutton Gates should be a very happy occasion and I do not wish to see

it spoiled in any way. Nor do I wish - albeit unwittingly - to be the cause of any controversy.

"I know the Yorkshire Committee wish honourably to stand by their invitation to me: nevertheless, I believe it would be best -

for all concerned - for someone else to be invited to perform the ceremony. I hope that it will be a thoroughly enjoyable event

for Lady Hutton and Yorkshire and that the sun will shine down on Headingley on that day."

Yorkshire chief executive Chris Hassell commented: "The Yorkshire committee understands John Major's position and is

grateful to him for the understanding he has shown. He has always been the most generous supporter of cricket, including

Yorkshire, and his presence at the opening of the stand would have given much pleasure to many supporters.

"However, his decision is fully respected and the committee will now consider the format of the opening ceremony which will

take place as planned."

Hassell said that the committee would be meeting over the weekend "and various names could be put forward."