ICC CEO Manu Sawhney relieved with immediate effect; Geoff Allardice to continue as acting CEO

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on July 8^th (Thursday) relieved CEO Manu Sawhney with immediate effect in a decision taken during the emergency meeting of the ICC board members. The decision comes in the backdrop of Sawhney’s “abrasive conduct” that came under light during an internal investigation, which led the ICC to send him on “leave” in March.

Sawhney’s tenure was officially set to end in 2022 after he took over the charge from Dave Richardson in 2019. However, the internal investigation and his conduct at the position, which forced an investigation against him, always made his ouster likely. The 56-year-old was under pressure ever since the process for electing the new president was commenced last year with Greg Barclay assuming the role in November 2020.

“Chief Executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organisation with immediate effect. Geoff Allardice will continue as Acting CEO supported by the Leadership Team working closely with the ICC Board,” the ICC said in a release.

Serious charges levelled against Manu Sawhney

Serious charges were levelled against Sawhney, whose “authoritarian working style” did not sit well with the employees and other stakeholders. It is also learnt that few cricket board boards did not like Sawhney’s move to back Imran Khwaja, ICC’s then interim chairman, last year.

Apart from being alleged for misconduct, disrespectful behavior, and aggression towards his colleagues, he was also found guilty of implementing decisions unilaterally and failing to report to the ICC Board.

He, however, denied the claims, terming the board’s sanction a “blatant attempt” to oust him from the office that could set a “dangerous precedent”. He contended further that he was the victim of a “premeditated witch-hunt” and this will tarnish his reputation and deny him his means of livelihood.

“I reject categorically that I have engaged in bullying of any kind during my time at the ICC,” he said. “In addition to the extremely vague nature of the allegations against me, no proper disciplinary process has been followed, including any thorough disciplinary investigation.”

“This would set an extremely dangerous precedent and would completely contradict the fundamental values of the ICC. It is abundantly clear to me, as it would to any reasonable person or bystander, that I am the victim of a pre-meditated witch hunt.”

Sawhney has been the former CEO of Singapore Sports Hub and also a non-executive director and member of the Audit Committee of Manchester United Ltd. He previously served as Managing Director of ESPN Star Sports, a company he worked with for 17 years.