Simmons stands down as Lancashire chairman

Jack Simmons has stood down as chairman of Lancashire after 11 years in the position. Michael Cairns has been elected as his successor.

Simmons announced he would not stand for re-election during his chairman's speech at the club's AGM on Thursday evening. He said: "It is something I've been thinking about for a couple of years and my decision not to stand for re-election was made in the best interests of Lancashire.

"Michael [Cairns] is the top man, and has a huge amount of experience in business and development. Lancashire is embarking on a very integrated redevelopment and I think it's better for someone like him to be leading the club forward.

"What I didn't want people to think is that I've finished here because I have a new position at the ECB - that has nothing to do it."

Simmons will continue to sit on the club's cricket committee, which also includes former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd.