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ICC chief Manu Sawhney sent on leave after internal investigation
NEW DELHI: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Manu Sawhney has been asked to go on leave in light of adverse findings of his management style which emerged in an internal culture review of the sport's governing body.
According to a report by PTI, Sawhney's conduct came under the scanner during an internal investigation by audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, and he may resign before his term ends. The report based its findings on the opinions of 85 employees and ex-employees of the ICC, with the federation’s chief coming under scrutiny for his allegedly "abrasive behaviour" with colleagues.
The preliminary investigation has concluded that Sawhney’s conduct over the last 12 months has been unsavoury and against the ICC's way of leading its operations. Allegations range from the petty (“arrogance and high-handedness”) to the serious, such as “hiring and sacking employees at whim.”
The ICC's human resources committee, led by England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Ian Watmore, discussed the findings of the report and sent a unanimous recommendation for the move to act against Sawhney to the ICC Board. In case Sawhney chooses not to resign, it could lead to a long-drawn removal procedure by the all-powerful board of directors.
Appointed to the position in January 2019, Sawhney succeeded the popular David Richardson after a seven-year stint, and took charge formally in April that year. Several media reports stated that his “authoritarian style of functioning” was a far cry from the inclusive approach of his predecessor and understandably it has not gone down well with the employees. He has also been at loggerheads with certain influential cricket boards over various policy decisions, against the backdrop of a battle within the global body between two different visions of the future of the game.
Sawhney, who has one more year left in his current tenure, was previously associated with Singapore Sports Hub and prior to that functioned as the head of ESPN Star Sports, also in Singapore, for 17 years.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
