Chellan disappointed
Dolphins give chief executive the boot, writes Thahir Asmal
WITH just a few weeks to go to the Sunfoil Dolphins’ biggest tournament yet, the Durban franchise have decided not to renew the contract of chief executive Jesse Chellan.
The 49-year-old spoke to the Tribune Herald this week, revealing his disappointment.
He still does not understand the decision made by the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union, but it’s a call he respects.
Chellan has been at the helm of the team since 2009, overseeing a drastic change at Kingsmead with the Dolphins claiming their first piece of silverware – the domestic Twenty20 title – in eight years last season. That trophy saw them qualify for the lucrative Champions League T20 tournament in India next month.
The former president of Northerns Cricket Union also brokered the sponsorship agreement with Sunfoil three years ago – one of the most lucrative deals in first-class cricket at the time.
“It is the board’s right to decide who they want going forward,” he said. “I am very happy with the processes that have been put in place – in all areas of the business. I leave KZN cricket knowing that I have made a difference.”
The decision by the board seems mystifying after they commended Chellan for his efforts in keeping the franchise financially stable.
“The Dolphins board is also satisfied with their financial standing under Chellan, who enjoyed five years of unqualified audits,” their statement read. “Revenue growth has also had an upward curve.”
While the Dolphins have started to experience success under coach Lance Klusener, Chellan’s hand in improving the game at grass roots level is something he is very proud of.
“We have invested a lot more in cricket development over the past five years, including at clubs, schools and in the townships.”
It was under Chellan that the likes of Cody Chetty, Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen earned franchise contracts.
One of his first victories as a chief executive was assisting the Chatsworth Oval with the refurbishment of its training facilities.
“You are seeing the benefits of that now,” Chellan said. “I look forward to seeing more Proteas coming out of Chatsworth, Phoenix, Newlands and Verulam.”
Even though Chellan’s contract expires in September, he has been asked by the board to stay on until December.
“My first priority is the Champions League,” he said. “I am going as team manager. My role is to make sure that Lance and his team are free to perform on the field.”
A pharmacist by profession, Chellan plans to remain in cricket, but ruled out a move to any other South African team.
“I do not see myself taking up the position of chief executive of another franchise,” he said. “While I am in it for the game, the emotional attachment to this province is too strong.
“I am looking at one or two international positions,” he added. “If those come to fruition then that’s great; if not, then I have to look back at pharmaceuticals.”