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Colin Graves will end his five-year term as ECB President on August 31, with Ian Watmore authorized to succeed him after a review of the circumstances of his departure from the Football League.
The decision was confirmed by the ECB board in the wake of the decision to postpone the Hundred’s first season until 2021.
Graves, who was named president in May 2015, had been an integral figure in creating the new competition, and last year he agreed to extend his term until November 2020, to oversee his inaugural season, which was due to From July 22 through August 14.
Now, however, with the Covid-19 outbreak forcing a suspension of all cricket in England and Wales until at least July 1, Graves agreed to end his term prematurely. While there is much work to be done in the meantime as English cricket faces the challenge of the pandemic, Graves will surely focus on his bid to become the new ICC President, with the election taking place at the AGM in June.
Commenting on his decision, Graves said: “With the inevitable launch of The Hundred for 2021, I have reviewed the extension of my term as President last year and requested the Board to end soon, on August 31.
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“It feels important to both the game and the ECB Board to allow Ian Watmore to begin his role earlier than originally agreed. I have no doubt that his vast experience in sports, business and government will be invaluable as let’s navigate this crisis
“I have been very encouraged by the way cricket has come together in these recent and unimaginable times. There is a long way to go, but I have immense confidence in the excellent leadership of Tom Harrison, our executive management team and the Board of ECB as they form The direction of our response to COVID-19.
“It has been a privilege to work with so many passionate people throughout the game who are motivated by their belief in the power of cricket to improve lives and connect communities.
“There is still much to do in the coming months as I continue to lead the ECB during this difficult time. As we get closer to August, I hope to say goodbye and share good wishes with all those with whom I have worked.”
Watmore’s tenure has yet to be approved by first-class counties at the ECB’s AGM in late May, but he received a vote of confidence from the board after a week of newspaper accusations of his conduct while serving as president. . of the soccer league.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Watmore had been involved in discussions over a breakaway league that could have jeopardized a £ 595 million broadcast deal with Sky Sports, which are also the ECB’s main partners. The report also claimed he left office, citing health problems, the week after the EFL announced an independent investigation.
However, the ECB confirmed that a review of his appointment, conducted by a directors’ subcommittee consisting of Barry O’Brien, Katie Bickerstaffe and Martin Darlow, had not discovered any irregularities. Furthermore, it was concluded that the appointment process had been carried out in a “comprehensive and professional” manner and the Board now considers the matter to be closed.
Watmore’s appointment was unanimously approved by the ECB Board on Wednesday, where board members Darlow and Lucy Pearson also had their terms extended.
