Andrew Cornish has been dismissed as Chief Executive of Middlesex County Cricket Club following disciplinary proceedings arising from a misconduct investigation, according to an exclusive report by The Guardian‘s Matt Hughes.
The misconduct charges brought by the Cricket Regulator were upheld by an independent Cricket Disciplinary Panel (CDP) after an investigation stemming from a complaint made by another member of staff. The allegations were not treated as a criminal matter and were not referred to the Metropolitan Police. Cornish has denied wrongdoing and is exploring his legal options.
Middlesex confirms Cornish’s departure
Middlesex formally confirmed Cornish’s dismissal in an official statement issued by Chair Richard Sykes.
The statement said, “Following media reports, Middlesex County Cricket Club confirms that Andrew Cornish was dismissed from his role as Chief Executive of the Club in June.”
Julie Harrington has assumed responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of Middlesex.
Sykes added, “As shared earlier this month, Julie Harrington has been appointed Interim Chief Executive and has assumed responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the Club.”
Club has faced wider challenges
Cornish joined Middlesex as a consultant in 2020 before becoming Chief Executive the following year, overseeing a period marked by financial challenges and governance issues.
In 2023, the England and Wales Cricket Board sanctioned Middlesex for breaches of financial regulations, issuing a £50,000 (approx. US$66.5K) fine alongside a suspended points deduction after identifying financial irregularities, including the misuse of central funding.
The case against Cornish is separate from earlier regulatory proceedings involving Middlesex itself. The club was previously charged with breaching ECB Directive 3.3, covering conduct, “which is improper or which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket, or which may bring the ECB, the game of cricket or any cricketer or groups of cricketers into disrepute”.
Middlesex was ultimately found not guilty by the Cricket Disciplinary Panel in that case.
Concerns about the club’s leadership and overall direction also became public ahead of the 2026 season, when a group of former Middlesex and England players, including ex-Captain Mike Gatting and Test cricketers such as Mark Ramprakash, Mike Selvey, John Emburey, Clive Radley, and West Indies great Desmond Haynes, issued an open letter expressing serious unease about how the club was being run.
The group wrote, “As former players of Middlesex, we have become increasingly disturbed at the way the club has been allowed to sink to its current level.”
The group of players also claimed that chair Richard Sykes had declined requests to confirm he would step aside.
Harrington takes interim leadership
Earlier this month, Middlesex announced Julie Harrington as Interim Chief Executive, with the former British Cycling and British Horseracing Authority CEO taking charge of the club’s leadership.
Richard Sykes said, “We are delighted to welcome Julie to Middlesex Cricket as Interim CEO. Her extensive leadership experience across major sports will be valuable as we enter this important new chapter.”
He added, “Together, we remain focused on providing stability for our people, supporting our players, members and staff, and ensuring Middlesex continues to move forward with confidence and purpose.”
Harrington said, “It is a privilege to be joining Middlesex Cricket, a Club with a proud history, a distinguished place in the game, and a deep connection with its members, supporters and communities.”
She added, “Middlesex is one of county cricket’s great names, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience from high-performing sporting environments to work with the Board, staff, players and members. Together, we will support the Club through this period and help ensure it is well placed for the future.”
Looking ahead
Harrington is expected to meet Middlesex members at the club’s upcoming Members’ Forum as the club begins its next chapter following Cornish’s departure.
