Tony Pigott, the former Sussex and England seamer who later served as the county’s chief executive, has died aged 67.
Pigott made his Sussex debut as a teenager in 1978 and produced one of the most memorable starts to a county career. After going wicketless in his first two first class matches, he claimed his maiden wicket and converted it into a hat trick against Surrey at Hove.
His sole Test appearance for England was equally distinctive. Pigott was playing club cricket in New Zealand when injuries disrupted the touring squad in the 1983 to 1984 season. He postponed his wedding, which had been scheduled for the Monday of the match, to take part.
In 1994, Pigott moved from Sussex to Surrey, yet persistent back injuries forced his retirement two years later. He returned to Sussex as second team coach before stepping into a senior leadership role the following year.
After a committee restructure, Pigott was appointed chief executive and oversaw a sustained period of progress. Sussex became the first county to install permanent floodlights, a development that preceded the club’s maiden County Championship title in 2003.
Chris Adams, the captain of that title winning side, led the tributes on the Sussex website.
“Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club,” Adams wrote. “An incredibly sad day for his family, the Sussex family and indeed the broader family of cricket.
“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.
“Thank you ‘Lester’ for everything you did for Sussex CCC, the 2003 Championship in my eyes will always be dedicated to you and the brave few who stood up and were counted in 1997.”
Pigott stepped down as chief executive in 1999 and continued to serve the game in several roles, including Pitch Inspector and Match Referee. Despite ongoing health issues in later years, he published his memoir, Lester and the Deckchair Revolution, in November 2025.
