Former England and Sussex seamer Tony Pigott passes away at 67

Tony Pigott, the former Sussex and England fast bowler who later served as Sussex’s chief executive during one of the most defining periods in the club’s history, has passed away at the age of 67.

Pigott made his First-Class debut for Sussex as a teenager in 1978 and wasted little time in making headlines. After going wicketless in his first two matches, he produced a remarkable moment at Hove against Surrey by converting his maiden first-class wicket into a hat-trick, a feat that immediately marked him out as a bowler of note.

His international career was brief but memorable. Pigott earned his solitary Test cap during England’s 1983–84 tour of New Zealand, having been drafted into the squad amid an injury crisis while playing club cricket in the country. The call-up came at a personal cost, with Pigott postponing his wedding scheduled for the Monday of the match to represent The Three Lions.

In 1994, Pigott moved from Sussex to Surrey, but persistent back injuries curtailed his playing career, forcing him into retirement two years later. He soon returned to Sussex, initially as second-team coach, before taking on a far more influential role off the field.

Following a major committee overhaul, Pigott was appointed chief executive in 1997, a move that would reshape the club’s future. Under his leadership, Sussex became the first county to install permanent floodlights and laid the foundations for a sustained period of success that culminated in the club’s maiden County Championship title in 2003.

Former Sussex captain Chris Adams led tributes to Pigott, describing him as a transformative presence in the club’s history. He also reflected on Pigott’s personal influence.

“Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club. An incredibly sad day for his family, the Sussex family and indeed the broader family of cricket,” Adams wrote as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“Personally, Tony played an enormous part in moulding my life for the better and was the number one reason I signed for Sussex in 1998. A really loveable, glass-half-full character who will be missed dearly by many,” he added.

After stepping down as chief executive in 1999, Pigott continued to serve the game in various capacities, including roles as a pitch inspector and match referee. Despite facing significant health challenges in later years, he published his memoir, Lester and the Deckchair Revolution in November 2025, offering a personal account of his life in cricket.

His impact stretched far beyond his playing days. As a cricketer, administrator, and mentor, he leaves behind a legacy that remains deeply woven into the fabric of Sussex and English county cricket.