Darren Gough has stepped down from his role as managing director of cricket at Yorkshire, less than a month before the start of the new LV= Insurance County Championship season and just hours before they face Somerset in Abu Dhabi. 

Former England fast bowler Gough was appointed to the post in December 2021 in the wake of the racism allegations that rocked the sport.

Gough said: "It's been an absolute honour to work for my boyhood club over the last two seasons.

"Having stepped in at a very challenging time, we've worked hard to steady the ship and develop our cricket department to ensure we can return to the top tier of English cricket.

"Following conversations with the club, I have decided now is the right time to step away from my role and give someone else an opportunity to take our playing squads forward.

"I'd like to thank all of our players, staff, members and fans for their considerable support over the last few seasons and wish them all the very best for the coming year.

“I will always be a Yorkshire Cricket supporter and look forward to returning to watch our teams in the coming years."

A statement from Yorkshire said the club would take time to consider the best structure going forward before appointing any replacement.

Colin Graves, recently re-appointed as chairman of Yorkshire, said: "I'd like to express our sincere thanks to Darren for the work he has put in over the last few seasons.

"Darren is a club legend in his own right having enjoyed two very successful stints as a player here and now helped us through some very difficult times.

"Everyone at the club would like to wish him all the best for the future, and we look forward to welcoming him back to Headingley again soon."

On the field, Yorkshire are aiming for success in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup T20 competition.

The county take to the field this morning (6am UK time) for the first time in 2024 when they face Vitality Blast champions Somerset.

Warwickshire are their next opponents tomorrow (10am UK time) before Sunday’s Finals Day will see the Vikings play at either 6am or 10am for finishing places or in the 2pm final dependent on their success in the fixtures today and tomorrow.

Essex and Nottinghamshire are the other two counties involved in the six-team competition, alongside a Team Abu Dhabi XI.