Former England captain Michael Vaughan leads tributes as Yorkshire cricket stalwart David Drabble passes away aged 82 after long illness

Drabble was a well-known figure in local cricket and founded the Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society in 1960.

A statement from the society read: “It is with great sadness that we announce founder of the society...David Drabble, has died overnight after a long illness.

“We pass on sincere condolences to his wife Anne and all the family.

“David Drabble's life was about his family and cricket. His passion for cricket was well known and the society and cricket as a whole will be a poorer place without him.”

And Vaughan, the Ashes-winning captain from 2005, wrote on Twitter: “Such a sad day... David did so much for cricket in South Yorkshire.”

David and his father founded The Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society in 1960, one of the first organisations of its kind in the country.

It meets regularly throughout the year and produces a comprehensive programme of speakers for its membership of cricket lovers throughout the region. The society relied heavily on David's knowledge, commitment and experience which, added to his considerably impressive contacts book, enabled it to thrive for so long.

Ill health over the last few years seriously curtailed his ability to be as involved, but he remained a respected and admired figure to both the committee and the members.

Current chairman, Dave Longley, remembers that David was "a remarkable organiser with a photographic memory for things.”

“In the early days of the Society he also planned and organised cricket tours all over the country and abroad in meticulous detail,” he added.

“It should be noted that David did a tremendous amount of charity fundraising and although he was never pushy with people, if he asked you to do something, you felt it right that you did."

His passing will also be felt in the corridors of power at Yorkshire CCC where he was a well-known member and friend of the club. "He really will be sadly missed up there and by us. David has left huge boots to fill because of his passion for cricket in general and the Society itself," added society secretary, Dorothy Betts.