The ICC and ECB today jointly announced that Steve Elworthy had been appointed as managing director of the ICC Cricket World Cup which will be held in England and Wales in 2019.
Elworthy will also have oversight of the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s World Cup which will both be staged in England and Wales next year.
Elworthy has previously been tournament director for three different ICC global events: the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and the ICC World T20 tournament in 2009 which were both staged in England and Wales, as well as the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 tournament held in South Africa in 2007.
Elworthy said: “Since I retired from professional cricket in 2003, I have been given some fantastic opportunities in cricket administration and managing the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is the biggest and the best yet.
“The UK has an outstanding record of hosting world-class events which set a benchmark for other countries, and other sports, to follow and I am very keen to maintain that tradition over the next three years. All three ICC global events will give us great opportunities to broaden cricket’s appeal and reach out to new audiences world-wide.”
A former South Africa fast bowler who played four Tests and 39 ODIs including matches in the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1999, Elworthy has also held senior management positions in marketing and communications with both ECB and Cricket South Africa.
In his new role as MD of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, he will oversee a dedicated Lord’s-based team responsible for all aspects of the tournament including marketing, logistics, cricket operations, volunteering and security.
ICC chief executive David Richardson said: “Steve is well respected and enjoys an excellent relationship with the ICC events staff. He has a proven track record as a cricket administrator. I’m confident that the ICC and Steve’s team will work together to ensure they scale new heights in delivering an unforgettable event for players, spectators, media and sponsors.”
ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison added: “It’s vital cricket in England and Wales capitalises fully on the unique opportunity we’ve been given to stage three major ICC events in the next three years – and Steve is perfectly qualified to provide the leadership and detailed planning required for all three.
“He has an outstanding track record of delivering fan-friendly tournaments which have been widely admired not just in cricket, but across the wider sports industry. Our congratulations to Steve on his appointment and we will be offering him and his team all the support they need to deliver successful tournaments in both 2017 and 2019.”
