ICC finally sacks CEO Sawhney after inquiry

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday that chief executive Manu Sawhney would be leaving ater sources reported that an investigation had found evidence of misconduct.

Geoff Allardice will remain as acting CEO following the review of Sawhney’s actions and management conduct at the helm of cricket’s world governing body by the business consultancy PWC.

ICC officials have not said what allegations were made against Sawhney, but Indian media previously reported they involved the treatment of staff and some decisions.

Reports said there had also been clashes with the main ICC members from Australia, England and India over future events.

“The International Cricket Council today announced that chief executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organisation with immediate effect,” the ICC said in a statement.

“Geoff Allardice will continue as Acting CEO supported by the leadership team working closely with the ICC Board.”

The ICC had wanted to use Sawhney’s experience to further boost its television revenues. He previously ran the ESPN Star Sports network that had major cricket deals as well as the Singapore Sports Hub.

Sawhney resigned as head of the Singapore sports and entertainment complex in 2017 following an internal complaint, Singapore media said, though the owners decided that no further action was warranted.

As the suspended Sawhney was awaiting to know his fate, some people who were supporting him had raised many questions on contentious issues – from the cost of hiring PWC for culture review of the ICC, alleged bending of the rules, to the hint of a conflict-of-interest scenario for an ICC Board member.

Sawhney, originally from India, was suspended on March 9, ater an expensive ‘Workplace Culture Review’, or ‘Cultural Assessment Review’, was conducted by the PWC.

Sawhney was appointed ICC CEO in January 2019. The 10 questions include one that raises a serious doubt on whether the ICC followed its own procurement rules while hiring PWC to conduct the culture review. Also, the supporters of Sawhney allege that the son of an ICC Executive Board member works for PWC, so that would constitute a possible conflict-of-interest scenario.