ECB name head of non first-class game

The restructuring at the ECB has continued with Paul Bedford being appointed as Head of Operations for non first-class cricket. He takes over from Frank Kemp who retired after being with the ECB since 1997.

Bedford will work closely with Mike Gatting, the managing director of cricket partnerships, and his role is to overseas all operations beyond the first-class game.

"It has been a busy time since I started at the ECB listening to a wide range of views and opinions on how to improve all cricket in this country," said Gatting. "And with Paul joining it has been beneficial to have two perspectives coming from the outside to consider the way forward."

Prior to joining the ECB, Bedford was chairman of the Shepherd Neame Surrey Championship, a Trustee on the Surrey Cricket Board, an MCC Tours Committee member and area representative.