Individuals from cricket receive New Year’s Honours

Isa Guha, Barry O’Brien and Derek Brewer are among the names from the world of cricket honoured in His Majesty The King’s New Year’s Honours List 2026.

Isa Guha, a former England star and two-time World Cup winner, receives an MBE for services to Inclusivity and Cricket. Since retiring from playing, Guha has become a celebrated broadcaster and has also founded the charity Take Her Lead, which aims to increase participation of women and girls in cricket.

Former Glamorgan and ECB Chair Barry O’Brien receives an OBE for services to Sport and Charity. One of the leading UK corporate lawyers, he became Chair of Glamorgan County Cricket Club in 2011, leading the restructuring of the club’s debts and modernising the club’s governance. He held the post until 2018 when he joined the ECB Board, standing down to concentrate on his battle with Parkinson's in 2023.

Derek Brewer receives an OBE for services to Cricket. Formerly Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire CCC and the MCC, Brewer has latterly worked as an Advisor to the ECB Board and has played a major role in the domestic game for over 20 years.

MBEs have also been awarded to Bob Qureshi and Chris Swadkin. Qureshi, an entrepreneur and Trustee at Surrey Cricket Foundation, has been honoured for services to Business, Charity and Cricket. Swadkin, a former player at Kent who went on to become County Chair, has been honoured for services to Cricket and to Young People in South East London.

Geoff Hastings - Founder of the Trueman R66T State School Cricket League - and Ron Pearson - Chair, Groundsman and Secretary at Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club – have been awarded British Empire Medals.

ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “It is always hugely gratifying to see individuals who have given so much to the game being honoured.

“Isa, Derek and Barry have contributed hugely to cricket, in different ways, and we are hugely grateful to them for the part they have played in supporting and driving the game forward.

“It is also so pleasing to see honours for individuals involved in the grassroots game. People like Bob, Chris, Geoff and Ron are the lifeblood of the game and they can be rightly proud to receive these honours.

“As a game, we are so lucky to have individuals that have given their lives to cricket. I’m delighted to be able to share our warmest thanks and our deepest congratulations to all of cricket’s New Year’s Honours recipients.”