Shashank Manohar has stepped down as ICC Chairman with immediate effect. Manohar has cited ‘personal reasons’ for his withdrawal.
Manohar was elected as the first independent chairman of ICC after he moved away from BCCI in May 2016.
Manohar has sent a letter to ICC CEO, David Richardson to convey his inability to continue as the Chairman. He took over the post only eight months prior to this resignation.
“I have tried to do my best and have tried to be fair and impartial in deciding matters in the functioning of the Board and in matters related to Member Boards along with the able support of all Directors.
“However, for personal reasons it is not possible for me to hold the august office of ICC Chairman and hence I am tendering my resignation as Chairman with immediate effect. I take this opportunity to thank all the Directors, the Management and staff of ICC for supporting me wholeheartedly. I wish ICC all the very best and hope it achieves greater heights in future,” said Manohar in his letter to Richardson.
During his tenure, Manohar was also at the forefront of proposed reforms to the revenue sharing model in ICC, which was agreed to in principle. However a ratification of that was supposed to take place in April for which Manohar will not be present now.
The move, when mooted, was opposed by BCCI, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and subsequently by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). According to India Today, the CEO of BCCI, Rahul Johri had met with members of the aforementioned boards and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), to gather support for opposing the changes. The financial model cannot be changed if four members vote against it.
The ICC has confirmed it has received an email from Chairman Shashank Manohar tendering his resignation. The ICC Board will assess the situation and next steps before making a further announcement.
