Eight candidates are vying for three Associate Member positions on the Chief Executives’ Committee, with the election set for July 17 in Singapore. Key personalities like Sumod Damodar and Sankar Renganathan are part of a diverse field of nominees. Challenges such as funding inequalities and governance within international cricket are significant issues as the CEC works to promote the sport globally.
The upcoming Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) election is generating buzz in the cricket world. Eight candidates are contesting for three open spots designated for Associate Members. This election follows a nomination deadline on June 17, and voting will occur on July 17 in Singapore during the International Cricket Council’s Annual General Meeting.
Incumbent Sumod Damodar from Botswana will make an attempt to keep his seat, while Rashpal Bajwa of Canada and Denmark’s Umair Butt have opted out. Among the competing candidates, former Hong Kong chief Tim Cutler (now representing Vanuatu) and Sankar Renganathan—known for his past with USA Cricket and running this time for Sierra Leone—are particularly notable.
Additional candidates include Gurumurthy Palani (France), Stella Siale (Samoa), Gurdeep Klair (Canada), Anuraag Bhatnagar (Hong Kong), and Sarah Gomersall (Jersey). The CEC plays a crucial role, tasked with promoting and developing the sport of cricket worldwide, while also regulating its international aspect.
Being part of this committee is highly sought after for those in charge of Associate nations, as it grants direct interaction with leadership from Full Member countries. The CEC is often viewed as a pathway to the ICC board, which holds significant power in cricket.
Recent developments suggest a tightening grip on power by India, especially following Jay Shah’s appointment as the ICC chair. His controversial reign has drawn criticism, particularly with Sanjog Gupta from JioStar poised to step into a key executive role soon.
This shift in leadership raises concerns about the welfare of smaller cricketing nations, who historically receive less funding and support compared to Full Members. Currently, the Indian governing body claims a hefty 38.5 percent of ICC’s annual revenue distribution, approximately $600 million, while the remaining 96 Associate Members together obtain a mere two percent.
As the CEC faces potential reshaping, several influential figures in cricket administration are eyeing positions. Damodar, with three terms behind him, has returned to the committee after a previous board member was elected. Known for his ambitious projects, he seeks to revive initiatives like the Afro-Asia Cup and improve even further the status of Associate nations.
In addition, Damodar is advocating for the establishment of a high-performance program, which aims to provide support for emerging cricket nations, similar to setups previously in place. This new program would also involve collaboration with smaller Full Members, including Ireland and Afghanistan.
“There are many things that are currently on the cards and agreed upon but not put into place, like the high performance programme,” Damodar expressed. He emphasized the pressing need to address issues related to officiating pathways and players noted for suspicious bowling actions.
Renganathan stands out as a wildcard in this election. He has garnered attention as a vocal critic of USA Cricket, which has faced challenges with its ICC compliance, but he remains committed to developing cricket in Sierra Leone, which has struggled with the aftermath of civil conflict. “I want to make sure we have the right people sitting in the room, so that the 96 countries are properly voiced,” he articulated.
Voting will involve representatives from 40 Associate Members alongside five regional representatives covering various geographical areas. Candidates must represent an Associate Member or hold a current or past ICC director position. Newly elected members will serve two-year terms and will contribute to governing the Associate Member Committee.
With the CEC election fast approaching, candidates are positioning themselves as key figures for the future of Associate Member nations. The tension surrounding funding disparities, leadership dynamics, and cricket governance remains at the forefront. The election not only highlights the competition among nominees but also brings to light the crucial decisions that will influence the development and support of cricket at the Associate level for years to come.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
