Manohar defers decision, to stay as ICC chairman for now

In a significant show of support for Manohar, the ICC Board asked him to withdraw his resignation or at the very least defer it until the ongoing process relating to governance and financial restructuring are completed.

Shashank Manohar has decided to stay back at the ICC for the time being.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Shashank Manohar has agreed to defer his decision to step down as the chairman of the cricket body. With the ICC Board resolution to request him to remain in post passed with overwhelming support earlier this week, Manohar has confirmed that he would be serving the organisation for a while now.

In a significant show of support for Manohar, the ICC Board asked him to withdraw his resignation or at the very least defer it until the ongoing process relating to governance and financial restructuring are completed.

READ: How 12 members got together to convince Manohar

“I respect the sentiments expressed by the Directors and the confidence they have reposed in me. In the light of this, and although my decision to depart due to personal reasons has not changed, I am willing to continue as chairman till the responsibility as per the resolution is complete,” Manohar said.

“I have a duty to work with my colleagues to enable a smooth transition and continue our work on the governance of the ICC.”

Welcoming Manohar’s decision to stay back, Cricket Australia Chairman David Peever said: “This resolution is a clear indication that whilst the Board may not yet agree on the detail of our reform process, we are committed to the overarching philosophies of it. We all believe that Shashank should be the man to see it through and whilst respectful of a decision made for personal reasons, we are delighted that he has agreed to remain in post until the completion of the 2017 Annual Conference where we can elect a successor.”

Even the CoA, that runs the BCCI affairs at the moment, is happy to have Manohar back for the time being. A CoA member Vikram Limaye said: “It is important that the current issues are resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. We had a productive meeting with Mr Manohar recently (prior to his resignation) wherein we outlined the concerns of BCCI on the financial model and governance issues and our suggestions for resolution. We are committed to working with ICC for a satisfactory resolution of these issues.”

Commenting on the issue, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said: “For the greater interest of cricket, we need Shashank as the Chairman of ICC especially at this critical juncture. He can be assured of our full support.”