Cricket: Import shows a profit

YORKSHIRE'S record loss, in 1991, of pounds 117,000, has been turned round and the likely profit figure for last summer, not a happy time for most clubs, is more than pounds 100,000, writes Derek Hodgson.

The man most responsible: the Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who yesterday hit an unbeaten 82 off 81 balls in the one- day international against England in Jaipur.

In the words of Chris Hassell, the club's chief executive, the 19- year-old Tendulkar, unlike yesterday, 'didn't set the world on fire in the number of runs he scored, but he is a star'.

Hassell added: 'He was very warmly welcomed by members and public and he personified the changes in the club. His arrival signalled the change of policy. It interested and excited Yorkshiremen everywhere, it caused three or four of our players, who were reluctant to sign contracts until they knew we were getting an overseaes player, to stay with the club.

'People who had drifted away saw in Sachin, with a new a president and a new regime, a change of direction and were then willing to support the enterprise.

'The improvement didn't all come under one heading. The success shows right across the board and, naturally, we are very optimistic for next season when Richie Richardson and Richard Stemp join us.'

In addition to the accounts, Yorkshire members will also be asked to approve at the annual meeting in Leeds on Saturday, 6 March, honorary life membership for Ray Illingworth and Geoffrey Boycott.