Candidates Revealed for Cricket’s All-Important Chief Executives’ Committee Election
Eight candidates compete for three Associate Member spots in cricket’s Chief Executives’ Committee election. The election follows changes in power dynamics among cricket leaders, particularly with India’s growing influence. Current member Sumod Damodar seeks re-election, while other significant candidates include Tim Cutler and Sankar Renganathan. Concerns persist regarding the funding disparity between Full Members and Associates, highlighting the need for reform in cricket governance.
In the upcoming Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) election, eight candidates are set to vie for three availably prestigious Associate Member spots, as dynamics shift among cricket’s leadership. The nomination deadline was on June 17, with the election scheduled for July 17, coinciding with the International Cricket Council’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore. Current member Sumod Damodar from Botswana will seek re-election, while Rashpal Bajwa from Canada and Umair Butt from Denmark have chosen not to participate this time.
Among the notable candidates, Tim Cutler, formerly of Hong Kong, is running under Vanuatu, while Sankar Renganathan, a well-known figure in USA cricket governance, is representing Sierra Leone. They are joined by Gurumurthy Palani (France), Stella Siale (Samoa), Gurdeep Klair (Canada), Anuraag Bhatnagar (Hong Kong), and Sarah Gomersall (Jersey). The intent of the CEC is to foster global cricket development while simultaneously governing the international sport.
Being part of the CEC is highly sought after by executives from Associate countries, who often see this as a route to engage with top officials from Full Member nations. This committee is frequently viewed as a springboard toward a spot on the ICC board. The balance of power seems to be shifting towards India, notably with Jay Shah’s recent elevation to ICC chair. Concerns have been raised regarding the increasing influence and representation of India, especially with Sanjog Gupta from JioStar poised to take over as CEO.
Smaller cricketing nations continue to express worries about their health and viability. Associates often receive significantly lower funding compared to Full Member nations, which contributes to feelings of disparity within cricket’s existing governance framework. The Indian cricket board, for instance, nets approximately 38.5 percent of the ICC’s revenue which amounts to around $600 million, while the remaining 96 Associates share about 2 percent – a disheartening statistic.
The CEC is expected to reform, with several influential figures eyeing positions. Veteran candidate Damodar, having served three terms, aims to drive initiatives like the revival of the Afro-Asia Cup while promoting more events tailored for Associates. He emphasizes the long-anticipated need for a high-performance program to reignite player development and bolster administrative structures among cricketing nations approaching Full Member status.
“The high performance programme has many agreed features that are yet to be implemented,” Damodar expressed. He noted the existing need for improved pathways for umpires at Associate levels and streamlined procedures for handling suspect bowling actions. It seems there are considerable areas that require immediate address.
Renganathan, known for his frank critiques of USA Cricket’s struggles with ICC compliance, positions himself as a candidate eager to amplify the voices of smaller cricket nations. He recently focused on promoting cricket development in Sierra Leone, a nation still recovering from civil war. Renganathan previously contested unsuccessfully in last year’s ICC board elections but remains committed to advocating for fair resource allocation across all members.
“I want to ensure the right voices are represented, for the 96 Associate nations to be heard,” he remarked, highlighting the critical importance of transparency and fund distribution.
Voting will be conducted by representatives from 40 Associate Members and five regional representatives from different zones: Americas, Asia, Europe, East Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Candidates must be currently affiliated with an Associate Member or a former/current ICC director, with successful candidates serving two-year terms as part of the Associate Member Committee overseeing governance and regulations at the Associate level.
The upcoming Chief Executives’ Committee election represents a significant juncture for cricket’s governance, particularly for Associate Members who often find themselves overshadowed by Full Members. With a diverse slate of candidates, including seasoned veterans and emerging voices, the election holds the promise of renewed focus on equitable development in cricket. Concerns regarding the disparity in funding and representation continue to loom large, specifically as notable figures like Jay Shah consolidate power. The results of this election could reshape cricket’s future power dynamics going forward.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
