SPORTING hero Sir Ian Botham has confirmed he will become the new chairman of troubled Durham County Cricket Club.

Botham, who famously saved England from certain defeat in the 1981 Ashes, has been drafted in to help rescue the crisis-hit club which is reeling from relegation and off-the-field financial problems.

However, tonight North Durham MP, Kevan Jones, said the appointment raised yet more questions over the actions of the England and Wales Cricklet Board (ECB).

Darlington and Stockton Times:

Ian Botham batting for Durham as Sachin Tendulkar bowls in 1992


The former England all-rounder will return to lead the fightback of his former club once he has completed media duties on England’s forthcoming tour of India, due to end on February 1.

Following talks with the club this morning, the 60-year-old star said: "I am very privileged to be invited to accept the role of chairman at Durham County Cricket Club, but it is important that we all recognise the size of the task ahead”.

Last month, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) agreed a £3.8 million rescue of the debt-ridden club, but imposed severe sanctions which will see the three-times county champions relegated to Division Two, start next season with a 48-point deduction and face stiff penalties in both of cricket’s cup competitions.

Mr Jones said that the appointment of Sir Ian as chairman had been known about in cricketing circles since the sanctions against Durham were announced.

"Is this therefore yet another condition that the ECB has placed on the club? Supporters will rightly want to know whether he will be a champion for the club or whether he will simply be a voice of the ECB.

He added: "Also, with his many other commitments, members and supporters will want to know how much time he will be able to commit to his new role at such a critical time for the club.

"It would also be interesting to know Sir Ian's thoughts on the draconian sanctions placed on Durham and, whether as Chairman, he plans to stand up against further interference from the ECB."

In recent weeks, the club has also lost two of its biggest names, with both Scott Borthwick and Mark Stoneman agreeing moves to Surrey.

When Durham first won First Class status in 1992, Botham starred for the club, scoring a century on his debut against Leicestershire before eventually retiring midway through the 1993 season, his last match being Durham's game against a touring Australian side.

After retiring from the game, the player continued to live in the region. He was knighted in 2007 for services to charity.

Although he has little experience in sports administration, the player was a respected leader on the pitch and supporters hope he will be a figurehead to inspire Durham's revival next year.

Botham said: "I was fortunate enough to play for the club during its first professional season and have always taken a keen interest in the club's fortunes and many successes.

"As someone who lives locally it is an honour to have the opportunity to contribute to the club's future, to look forward and to continue to produce the talent that will serve both the county and England well in the years ahead.

"We will work closely with the England and Wales Cricket Board and Durham County Council in the months ahead as we develop a plan to ensure continued success for this great club."

Durham is being reconstituted as a community interest company, which will see Durham County Council take a stake in the club by converting a £3.7 million loan into shares.