MATT Rawnsley has stepped down as Worcestershire’s chief executive and will leave the club with “immediate effect”.

The former County spinner returned to Blackfinch New Road in January 2018 to replace Tom Scott in the role.

During the 43-year-old's tenure the club won the T20 Blast and finished runners-up in the competition 12 months later.

But Worcestershire have found life difficult in red-ball cricket, finishing second from bottom in the recent Specsavers County Championship Division Two season.

A statement from the club read: “Worcestershire County Cricket Club can confirm that Matt Rawnsley has stepped down as Chief Executive and will be leaving the club with immediate effect.

“The board would like to thank Matt for all his hard work at WCCC in the last 20 months and wish him every success in the future.

“In the interim, all matters will be handled by the board, and should be directed to Fanos Hira, WCCC chairman.

“All cricket matters will continue to be handled by the Cricket Steering Group which is chaired by Paul Pridgeon, WCCC vice-chairman.

“Further comments will be made in due course.”