David Richardson has announced he will be stepping down as ICC chief executive at the conclusion of the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
The South African has held the role since 2012 but admitted the time felt right to retire once the sport’s showpiece event has been held in England and Wales.
“The hardest thing as a cricketer is knowing when the time is right to retire,” Richardson said. “But for me, the end of the ICC Cricket World Cup next year is about right.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ICC and I am particularly pleased with what we have achieved in recent times in creating greater context for all formats of the game and securing increased opportunities and clear pathways for all Members to play at the highest level.
“I will certainly do all I can over the next 12 months to ensure that we complete our work on the new global strategy for cricket aimed at growing the game both in our traditional and new markets, and, in particular put on a World Cup that does the game proud.”
A Proteas wicketkeeper during his playing career, Richardson recently approved new measures against ball-tampering that will see culprits face a maximum ban of six Tests. While also acting to curb cheating, personal abuse, obscenities picked up on stumpcam, and disobeying umpire instructions.
ICC chairman Shashank Manohar spoke glowingly of his colleague, saying: “His achievements speak for themselves, but in recent history the commercial success of the sport, his leadership of the ICC team and establishing greater context for international cricket are of particular note.
