ICC's Chief Executive David Richardson Takes a Call on His Future

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the current Chief Executive, David Richardson will step down from his post. It will be after his contract expires following the conclusion of the ICC World Cup next year in England and Wales.

Richardson became the first person to hold the position of ICC General Manager back in 2002. He was later promoted as the Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council back in 2012.

“On behalf of the ICC Board, I would like to thank David for his service and commitment to cricket over the past 16 years. Particularly, over the last six years as CEO,” ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar was quoted as saying by an ICC release.

“His achievements speak for themselves. But in recent history, the commercial success of the sport, his leadership of the ICC team and establishing a greater context for international cricket are of particular note.

“David will be missed by everyone in the game. But this is an opportunity for the ICC to drive forward our new global growth strategy. David has played an integral part in developing, under new leadership. A global recruitment process will now get underway to identify the right person to lead the ICC,” he added.

Also Read: Virender Sehwag Urges Indian Team Management To Prefer Dinesh Karthik & KL Rahul Over Suresh Raina

Richardson said that a cricketer understands when to retire. However, it is not the same for administrators. He further expressed his delight at being at the helm of affairs for a long time. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time as a cricket administrator.

Richardson says retiring as a cricketer is a lot easier,

“The hardest thing as a cricketer is knowing when the time is right to retire. But for me, the end of the ICC Cricket World Cup next year is about right. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ICC. I am particularly pleased with what we have achieved in recent times in creating a greater context for all formats of the game and securing increased opportunities and clear pathways for all Members to play at the highest level,” David Richardson said.

“Will certainly do all I can over the next 12 months. I will ensure that we complete our work on the new global strategy for cricket aimed at growing the game both in our traditional and new markets and, in particular, put on a World Cup that does the game proud.”

“I’d like to thank the ICC Chairman and the current board of directors and Member Chief Executives for their support and of course to my senior team and all of the ICC staff who are so dedicated to our great sport.”

Richardson is a former South African cricketer. He represented the country with distinction for several years. He was a permanent fixture behind the stumps after South Africa returned from isolation to play Test cricket team. The Proteas were barred from playing any international ties. It was due to the prevalent apartheid era. Richardson was a brilliant wicket-keeper and kept wickets for South Africa for 7 years after their re-entry. He was a pretty fluent batsman during his playing days as well. However, despite his prowess with batting he never had a great record with the bat

Richardson was part of the South African playing XI in 42 Tests and 122 ODI’s. He scored 1359 runs in Test cricket while 863 runs in the 50 overs format. Richardson was a veteran in the first-class format. He represented Eastern Province and Northern Transvaal during his first-class career. He scored 6981 runs in 200 first-class matches. The current ICC chief executive finished his first-class career with 579 catches and 40 stumpings.

He played his final Test in 1998. Richardson then went on to become the ICC General Manager 4 years later. After some very good years in administration, he was promoted as the Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council. His absence after a year will be a loss to the administration of cricket. The ICC confirmed that his absence will leave a void. However, they will look to drive forward some new strategies.

Also Read: Tri-Series, ZIM vs AUS, 3rd T20I: Twitter Reacts as Australia Record its Biggest T20I Win