The International Cricket Council to Hold Election for Chief Executives Committee Position
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to hold an election for the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) position this week. The election comes as a result of the vacancy left by Mubasir Usmani of UAE, who was elected to the ICC Board as Associate Nation Director in July. Three candidates are in the running for the position, including Dr. Vignaesh Shankaran of Germany, Sumod Damodar from Botswana, and Richard Done of Papua New Guinea.
Details of the Election
The election is scheduled to take place between September 12 and 18. The selected candidate will serve the remainder of the current two-year term, which began in 2023 and will end in July 2025. The CEC consists of three representatives from Associate nations, with Raspal Bajwa of Cricket Canada and Umair Butt of Denmark Cricket serving as the other two members.
Challenges Faced by Associate Nations
One of the major issues facing Associate nations is the recent rule change by the ICC regarding the qualification pathway for World Cups. The change has made it more difficult for East Asia Pacific teams to qualify for the tournaments. Papua New Guinea, for instance, made it to the recent Twenty20 World Cup but will now have to compete against higher-ranked nations from Asia for a spot.
Richard Done expressed disappointment with the ICC’s decision to merge the two regions, stating, “The EAP region as a whole were pretty disappointed. It sort of looks at us as a region and says, ‘well, you know, you don’t deserve a spot’.” Done emphasized the importance of giving all regions a fair opportunity to compete on the global stage.
Candidate’s Vision
Richard Done, who has over 20 years of experience working in Associate cricket, aims to make a difference for all regions if elected to the CEC. He stressed the need for more certainty and consistency in the funding model and competition structures to allow members to plan effectively for the future. Done, currently serving as the CEO of PNG and previously working as the High Performance manager at the ICC, is committed to advancing the interests of Associate members for the betterment of cricket globally.
Outcome of the Election
The election process is expected to conclude this week, with the outcome set to be announced shortly thereafter. The selected candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Associate cricket and ensuring that the voices of all regions are heard within the ICC.
Stay tuned for updates on the election results and the impact it will have on the global cricketing landscape.
Enhancing Development Opportunities for Associate Nations
Associate nations in cricket have long faced challenges in gaining exposure and opportunities to compete at the highest level. The upcoming election for the Chief Executives Committee position presents a crucial juncture in addressing these issues and providing a platform for the growth and development of cricket in emerging regions.
Dr. Vignaesh Shankaran, a candidate for the CEC position from Germany, brings a wealth of experience in cricket administration and a vision to foster inclusivity and support for Associate nations. With a background in grassroots cricket development, Shankaran aims to implement initiatives that will empower smaller cricketing nations to thrive and showcase their talent on the world stage.
Empowering Youth and Women’s Cricket
One of the key areas of focus for the future Chief Executives Committee member will be the promotion of youth and women’s cricket within Associate nations. Sumod Damodar of Botswana, another contender for the position, emphasizes the importance of investing in youth programs and providing equal opportunities for women in cricket.
Damodar’s dedication to creating pathways for young cricketers and advancing the women’s game aligns with the ICC’s broader goals of inclusivity and diversity in the sport. By championing these initiatives, the new CEC member will contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of cricket across all levels.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
Collaboration among cricketing nations is essential for driving innovation and progress in the sport. The successful candidate for the CEC position will play a pivotal role in forging partnerships and alliances that will benefit Associate nations and enhance the global cricketing landscape.
Richard Done, a candidate from Papua New Guinea, envisions a future where collaboration and mutual support among cricketing nations are prioritized. By advocating for fair competition structures and funding models, Done aims to create a more level playing field for all regions, ensuring that every nation has the opportunity to succeed and excel in cricket.
Conclusion
As the election for the Chief Executives Committee position unfolds, the global cricketing community eagerly anticipates the selection of a candidate who will champion the interests of Associate nations and drive positive change within the ICC. The incoming CEC member will have the opportunity to shape the future of cricket development, empower emerging regions, and promote inclusivity and diversity within the sport.
With a renewed focus on youth and women’s cricket, collaboration, and innovation, the new CEC member has the potential to usher in a new era of growth and success for cricket on a global scale. Stay tuned for updates on the election results and the impact it will have on the dynamic and evolving world of cricket.
