Hampshire County Cricket Club’s accounts for the year ending 31st October 1999, reflect the good financial performance both nationally and locally of the Cricket World Cup. This, together with the benefits of a positive cash flow throughout, resulting in the sale proceeds of the County Ground, has enabled the clubs to make an operating profit of £74, 786, and increase of £25,000 on the previous year. After adjustments for promotional costs in respect of the new ground projects and for taxation, the club showed a net profit for the year of £41,502, compared to £5,459 in 1998.

“The next two years are extremely important and will be very challenging both on and off the field,” says Hampshire chief executive Tony Baker. “Steps have been taken to strengthen the playing staff, with exciting signings in Shane Warne and Alan Mullally.”

“The completion of the project to build a new ground at West End for the start of the 2001 season is also clearly extremely important to the club. The full support of Hampshire members and followers will greatly assist the Hampshire County Cricket Club to achieve these aims.”

Hampshire County Cricket Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held on March 27 at the Novotel, Southampton at 7.00pm.