Interim EP Cricket chief aims to sweep clean
HE may be in the position for just two months, but interim EP Cricket Board (EPCB) chief executive Saleem Mukuddem is determined to set up a system of governance that will steer the troubled union out of stormy waters.
As he admitted, Mukuddem has been thrown in at the deep end, but he views his appointment by the EPCB, at the behest of the national body, as a chance to contribute positively to a sport which has been his passion.
EP Cricket has been struggling financially and a restructuring is taking place as the union tries to get back onto an even keel.
Yesterday, Mukuddem met the media after arriving in Port Elizabeth only on Monday, but appears ready to tackle the job with a sense of energy and a determination to create a way forward “which is in the best interests of EP cricket”.
Born and bred in Cape Town, Mukuddem went to Bermuda on business and became so involved in cricket in the region that he was included in the national team which played in the 2007 World Cup.
As an amateur cricketer, he was thrust into a frontline of the most daunting kind when he had to face Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga. Now he faces another challenge equally testing.
But with a background in finance and a passion for cricket, he is ready to embrace the task.
“To say that I have been thrown in at the deep end is an understatement,” he said. “But I am qualified as a CA [chartered accountant] and have worked for major global corporations, so I have some experience in manage- ment and leadership. My first task will be to look at the operations and to make recommendations to the EP board to try to improve things. We will be working on a turnaround plan with a view to long-term sustainability and profit.
“I hope to be the catalyst to bring change to the union, always working on the premise that what we do is in the best interests of EP cricket.”
EP Cricket will be appointing a permanent chief executive in two months, but Mukuddem has been given the interim job, following guidelines from CSA, to get the union back on track.
EPCB president Donovan May said they would soon be advertising for the permanent position and were hoping to finalise the process with an appointment in mid-February.
Meanwhile, besides assessing the state of corporate governance at EP Cricket, Mukuddem will be focusing on helping to stage a successful game when St George’s Park hosts the second test of the three-match series between South Africa and West Indies from December 26 to 30.
Mukuddem ruled out a stay in PE longer than his contracted two months. He does not plan to apply for the permanent post