International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Manu Sawhney on Thursday resigned from his position, four months after his allegedly “abrasive conduct” came under the scanner during an internal investigation, prompting the world body to send him on leave.
ICC CEO Manu Sawhney resigned
“The International Cricket Council today announced that Chief Executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organization with immediate effect. Geoff Allardice will continue as Acting CEO supported by the Leadership Team working closely with the ICC Board,” the ICC said in a media release.
Sawhney was sent on “leave” in March pending an inquiry after he came under scrutiny for his “abrasive behavior” with colleagues. Sawhney has termed the governing body`s probe against him as a “premeditated witch-hunt”.
What were the allegations?
The allegations included charges of bullying staff members, as well as acts of “physical aggression, such as fist banging”.
Reportedly, this impacted the health and well-being of staff members. Another charge stated that he had taken and implemented decisions without properly consulting the board. Sawhney was informed about the allegations at a virtual disciplinary hearing with Barclay on June 17.
Sawhney Response during Hearing
At the hearing, reading from a prepared statement, Sawhney said he was the victim of a “premeditated witch hunt”.
He criticized the “four bullet points” of allegations as insubstantial and said they had the potential to rob him of his “livelihood” and hurt his “reputation”.
He also sent his statement to all the ICC directors, stating that he would contest any guilty verdict and “resist this blatant attempt to force me from office”, which would set, he said, “an extremely dangerous precedent”.
Who will be ICC’s next CEO?
Sawhney took over from Dave Richardson as CEO in April 2019. After his exit, Allardice will be in charge for a while.
Meanwhile, Tom Harrison of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), James Sutherland, former CEO of Cricket Australia, and former SA cricketer, Steve Elworthy, are in line for the role. From India, former CEO of Yes Bank, Ravneet Gill, remains in contention.
Also Read: Men’s Cricket World Cup – ICC Announces Major Changes in T20, 50 Overs Tournament
