Yorkshire takeover a step closer as members approve Colin Graves deal

Approval from the Financial Conduct Authority is now required before the proposal submitted by the former Headingley chair, 76, can be fully ratified

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Colin Graves is a step closer to completing his takeover of Yorkshire after members voted through his takeover proposal.

The 76-year-old, club chair between 2012 and 2015, is on the brink of sealing his return to Headingley.

Approval from the Financial Conduct Authority is now required to complete the deal, after which a new chair and board will be appointed.

Eight-eight per cent of votes cast at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) were in favour of the resolution, which included a number of changes to club rules. In total, just 99 objected with another 48 voting forms spoiled.

Graves, the ex-ECB chair between 2015 and 2020, who thanked the membership for their support in a statement, had his ownership offer accepted on Christmas Eve and won board approval last month.

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Yorkshire's uncertain future is close to being resolved (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Owed £15 million as part of bailing the club out in 2002, he and Oakwell Capital have put together a rescue package for the financially-stricken club.

On the eve of the vote, Yorkshire members were urged to act "in the best interests" of the club, who have been embroiled in a racism scandal in recent years which led to fines and a points deduction in 2023.

Graves had previously described such accounts of discrimination as "banter" but last month apologised for his "dismissive or uncaring" remarks".

As revealed by The Cricketer, his return comes after a rival takeover offer from the Fraser Group, owned by Mike Ashley, failed to come to fruition.


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