Lorgat To Stand Down As ICC CEO In 2012

Lorgat To Stand Down As ICC CEO In 2012

Haroon Lorgat will end his tenure as ICC chief executive in June 2012

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International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has confirmed that he will not look to renew his contract when it expires at the end of June 2012.

He was offered a three-year extension last year but instead opted for a one-year deal, after which he will now stand aside having been in the job for four years.

"My sense is to step aside after having delivered a successful ICC Cricket World Cup and the new global ICC strategy which is now in place," Lorgat said.

"In 2010, I felt there was much work for me to complete during 2011 which included protecting the integrity of the game and restoring the reputation and image of the ICC. Having dealt decisively with the spot-fixing issues, delivered a highly successful ICC Cricket World Cup and adopted a new global strategy, I feel the time is right to move on.

"I am hopeful that the independent governance review currently in progress and due to be published after the next Board meeting would find acceptable outcomes and thereby leave a legacy for future generations.

"Although disappointed that the Test World Championship will not be played in 2013, I am confident that with the strategic restructures we have undertaken, all three formats can be sustained at international level.

"Overall I feel personally satisfied with having successfully led the ICC through some difficult issues. I am especially grateful to have worked with our exceptional broadcast and commercial partners and the fantastic people who work at the ICC. I wish to thank each and every one of my staff for supporting me so loyally and ably. Their contributions are enormous in the face of many difficult challenges."

Paying tribute to Lorgat, ICC President Sharad Pawar added: ICC President Sharad Pawar added: "During his time at the ICC, Haroon Lorgat has steered the ICC through some tricky situations, such as the rescheduling of the 2008 ICC Champions Trophy, the location of the ICC Headquarters in Dubai, the response to the Lahore attack, several doping issues, the recent spot-fixing hearings and the highly successful ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

"I am satisfied that his contribution to the ICC and to cricket leaves us in a solid position. The game owes Mr Lorgat a debt of gratitude for his good leadership and while we are sad at his departure we understand fully the reasons and wish him well in the future."

The ICC will now engage an executive recruitment agency to advertise and identify a successor to Lorgat and that process will be managed by ICC vice-president Alan Isaac.

"I have been asked by the ICC Nominations Committee to manage the process," Isaac said.

"From a personal point of view I am extremely disappointed that I will not be able to work with Haroon during my term as ICC President. He has been exemplary in the way he has led the organization and deserves credit for his ethical leadership of the ICC."

Lorgat was appointed as chief executive of the ICC in June 2008 and has overseen the 2009 Champions Trophy, two editons of the ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 World Cup.

During his time in office, the game has also been rocked by security issues and corruption cases coming to light.

© Cricket World 2011