Manohar might remain ICC boss
NEW DELHI: It seems Shashank Manohar might continue as ICC chairman after it emerged that various member boards are trying to convince him to complete his two-year term.
Manohar, who had earlier said he would quit after completing one year at the June conference where the new constitution and revenue model would be ratified, was appointed International Cricket Council (ICC)’s first independent chairman in May last year.
Manohar had played a key role in bringing in place a reformed constitution that ended the ‘Big Three’ model which guaranteed India, England and Australia a lion’s share in revenues and more power in governance.
His stance had gone down well with many member boards and ensured a one-sided vote in rejection of the ‘Big Three’ model.
“Manohar had said that he will quit after one year and won’t complete his two years. But now, there is a belief among members that he should get another term after his first term ends in mid2018,” said a source close to the events.
It has been learnt that one of the points of discussion in the ICC meeting last week in Dubai was expected to be the choice of an ICC chairman once Manohar quit after the annual conference in June. That was an important issue as the time to appoint Manohar’s replacement was already very short. Giles Clarke of England, David Peever of Australia and Thilanga Sumathipala of Sri Lanka Cricket were the contenders. Sumathipala was very keen and had thrown his hat late in the ring.
However, as things panned out and the ICC board voted convincingly against the Big Three model in the meeting, there was no discussion over the choice of next chairman.
Some top BCCI officials believe that Manohar has been rewarded for ensuring that the ‘Big Three model’ is done away with. Manohar had quit in March 2015 after it emerged that BCCI had collected enough votes to block the new constitution. However, he was convinced to continue and agreed to carry on only till the annual conference in June.