Barry O’Brien, the interim chair of the ECB, was said to be present at Saturday’s meeting and listening to Patel’s efforts to gain support from the membership base. A united front between the club’s membership and leadership is said to be critical in the governing body’s deliberations over whether Headingley can get the green light to host Test matches again.

Media had been prevented from attending by the club, but a Yorkshire spokesman later told the Sunday Telegraph that “the meeting was orderly and very constructive”. Patel will issue a statement on Monday reflecting on the points raised to him.
Since November, Yorkshire has undergone rapid change, and the club faces the prospect of an employment tribunal involving 16 staff sacked in the aftermath of the racism scandal. There remains fury among those who left in the mass clearout, and lawyers have now begun the formal process of pursuing action.

Members and fans responding to pictures of the meeting suggested the largely white, older crowd was part of a widespread issue faced by the county game. “I think that picture sums up the issues within the whole of the county game at the moment,” said one in response to members describing a “male, pale and stale” presence at the meeting. “How do we sell this game to youngsters, women and kids, I do fear for it.”

However, in response, a Yorkshire CCC member who was in attendance at the meeting responded on Twitter: “Kamlesh Patel addressed that head on – felt like a real desire to broaden the fan base.”