BSP-10 Uncertainty over next chairman as ICC denies T20 World Cup is postponed

348

ZCZC

BSP-10

HEALTH-VIRUS-CRICKET-ICC

Uncertainty over next chairman as ICC denies T20 World Cup is postponed

LONDON, May 27, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Shashank Manohar is prepared to
stay on as International Cricket Council chairman to oversee a “smooth
transition” following reports that former India captain Sourav Ganguly
is considering standing, the ICC said Wednesday.

Indian administrator Manohar, who became the ICC’s first
independent chairman in 2016, has ruled out a third term in office.

The game’s global governing body said no final decision had been
taken regarding the election process but the subject would be
discussed further on Thursday.

There had been suggestions that Colin Graves, who recently stood
down as chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, would succeed
Manohar unopposed until reports emerged that Ganguly, currently the
president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, was interested
in the role.

South African director of cricket Graeme Smith has backed fellow
former Test captain Ganguly, saying: “It is time for someone close to
the modern game with leadership credentials to get into the position.”

The ICC also said suggestions that the men’s Twenty20 World Cup in
Australia, scheduled to start in October, had been postponed due to
the coronavirus were “inaccurate”, although it said contingencies were
being explored.

A postponement could allow the already postponed Indian Premier
League to go ahead in its place.

Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins said: “If that opens up a window
I think the IPL would be a great fit.”

But the ICC said: “Reports of a postponement of the ICC Men’s T20
World Cup 2020 are inaccurate and planning for the event continues.”

BSS/AFP/MRU/2018hrs