Watmore ratified as chair
The ECB has confirmed that Ian Watmore’s appointment as chair was ratified at its virtual AGM, with the 41 members voting unanimously in Watmore’s favour.
With the last stage of his appointment process concluded, Watmore will step into the role in September. He succeeds current chair Colin Graves CBE, following a successful five year tenure that saw England lift two ODI ICC Cricket World Cup, as well as securing a record £1.1billion media rights deal.
In addition to the ratification, it was confirmed that senior independent director Lord Kamlesh Patel will step down after serving over five years. A replacement will be identified in the coming months.
Lord Patel was involved in a number of significant changes during his term, most notably the creation of the 2018 action plan to engage South Asian audiences, in addition to establishing the ECB’S Governance Committee an being a key voice in the creation of the Inspiring Generations Committee.
Colin Graves CBE said: “I am very pleased that Ian’s appointment as chair has been fully approved by our 41 valued members. His experience and deep passion for cricket will strongly support the progress and cohesion of the game over the next five years.
“The game’s newest test, the threat of COVID-19, will challenge us all. I am certain that no corner of the game will emerge the same. It will be our ability to stay united and remain agile that will see us through this most difficult of times.”
Watmore added: “I have made clear from the start of this process how important the cricket network is to our sport thriving across England and Wales. In a postCOVID-19 world, it is more important than ever before that we see sport connect communities and improve lives. That goal is only achievable with the support of the entire game and I look forward to working with the membership and other key stakeholders in delivering our ambitions.”