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MUMBAI:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that
Imtiaz Patel has withdrawn his interest in becoming the organisation’s
next CEO.
Patel
has opted to stay in South Africa with Supersport International.
He
indicated his decision in a telephone conversation with ICC
president-elect David Morgan on yesterday.
The
recruitment committee charged with identifying a successor
to current CEO Malcolm Speed – ICC president Ray Mali,
Creagh O’Connor and VP Sharad Pawar – will now reconvene.
Once
the committee has identified a preferred candidate, it will
make a recommendation to the ICC board with a view to confirming
the appointment at the earliest opportunity.
The
incoming CEO will take over from Malcolm Speed, who steps down from the role after
this year’s ICC Annual Conference, which will take place between 29 June
and 4 July.
Speed has held the position since July 2001, when he took
over from the ICC’s first CEO David Richards.
Morgan said, “We are obviously disappointed that Imtiaz has chosen to withdraw
his interest, having regarded him highly.
“However,
the fact that Imtiaz has withdrawn does not mean that, by
default, we will be left with a candidate who is, in any way,
inferior to him. In fact, we have been fortunate to have several
high calibre candidates on the shortlist, all of whom bring
something slightly different to the table.
“The
role of ICC CEO, while challenging, represents a huge opportunity
for the successful candidate. It is an opportunity for that
person to help forge the future of our great game at a time
of huge innovation and excitement. We remain committed to
securing the services of the right candidate and anticipate
being able to complete that task in the very near future.”
Patel
said, “My family and I have reflected deeply on the wonderful opportunity
which the ICC presented to me to fulfill such an important role in a sport which
is in my blood.
“After
considering my position carefully, I have, however, resolved
to remain in my beloved country, South Africa, and continue
in my challenging and fulfilling role as CEO of SuperSport
International.”
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