PCA's David Leatherdale to step down this year

Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) chief executive David Leatherdale will step down from his role this year.

Leatherdale took time off last year, due to stress amid a heavy workload and family health problems.

He returned with a number of issues on the PCA agenda including members' concerns over how "The Hundred" competition would impact them, a new pay deal for centrally contracted England players and at the County Partnership Agreement - which includes salaries and payments for county players - for the period 2020 to 2024.

Daryl Mitchell, chairman of the players' union, said Leatherdale had recently informed the PCA board of his intention to step down once a successor has been appointed.

"David's skill, dedication and determination over the last three years has been instrumental in championing the best interests of all PCA members during a time of immense change in the professional game," Mitchell said. "We are immensely grateful.

"David will continue in his role until a successor is appointed and has made it clear he wishes to conclude the negotiations surrounding the County Partnership Agreement and the Team England and PCA-ECB MOU contracts which will ensure playing professional cricket from 2020 onwards is the most rewarding career it has ever been.

"The board is grateful to David for his commitment to complete these negotiations which will see every current member of the PCA materially better off. The PCA board has already commenced the search for David's successor."