International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manu Sawhney resigned on Thursday, four months after being sent on leave for his allegedly "abrasive conduct". In a statement, the ICC said, "…Chief Executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organisation with immediate effect. Geoff Allardice will continue as Acting CEO supported by the Leadership Team working closely with the ICC Board."
Meanwhile, Sawhney sent on leave in March pending an investigation after he came under scrutiny for his "abrasive behaviour" with colleagues. These charges followed the findings of PwC, 'tasked with undertaking an independent cultural assessment into the ICC.' A disciplinary hearing held on June 17 and the whole process culminated with his sacking on July 8. Meanwhile, he had termed the world body's investigation against him as a pre-planned conspiracy. He succeeded Dave Richardson as CEO after the ICC World Cup in 2019. His term was to end in 2022, but due to controversies, he had to leave his chair midway.
56-year-old Sawhney has been under pressure since the election process for the new chairman was set in motion last year. It ended with Greg Barclay taking the position in November. Meanwhile, it is alleged that Sawhney's "authoritarian style of functioning" is far removed from the inclusive approach taken by Richardson and has not gone down well with the employees.
Now, Tom Harrison of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). James Sutherland – former CEO of Cricket Australia, and Steve Elworthy, former South Africa cricketer with a lot of administrative experience, are in the fray for next CEO. From India, Ravneet Gill, a former CEO of Yes Bank, is also in contention.