Imtiaz Patel declines ICC CEO's post

South Africa’s Imtiaz Patel gave a setback to International Cricket Council (ICC) after he has declined to become the ICC’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The decision shows his willingness to stay in South Africa’s Supersport International as the CEO.

According to an ICC release, Imtiaz Patel has withdrawn his interest in becoming the organisation’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Patel indicated his decision in a telephonic conversation to ICC President-Elect David Morgan on Sunday.

Patel has been shortlisted as the preferred candidate for the coveted ICC CEO’s post and has to take over from Malcolm Speed, who steps down from the role after this year’s ICC Annual Conference, which will take place between June 29 and July4, the ICC said in its release on Monday

ICC President-Elect David Morgan said that ICC is bit disappointed but committed to securing services of right candidate in near future.

“We are obviously disappointed that Imtiaz has chosen to withdraw his interest, having regarded him highly.

“However, the fact that Imtiaz has withdrawn does not mean that, by default, we will be left with a candidate who is, in any way, inferior to him,” said Morgan

The Recruitment Committee comprising ICC President Ray Mali, Creagh O’Connor, and Vice President Sharad Pawar will now again re-convene to identify a successor to current CEO Malcolm Speed.

Reacting on Patel’s decision, Morgan said in a statement, “In fact, we have been fortunate to have several high caliber candidates on the shortlist, all of whom bring something slightly different to the table.

“We remain committed to securing the services of the right candidate and we anticipate being able to complete that task in the very near future,” he added.

Commenting over his withdrawal Patel stated, “My family and I have reflected deeply on the wonderful opportunity which the ICC presented to me to fulfill such an important role in a sport which is in my blood.

“After considering my position carefully, I have, however, resolved to remain in my beloved country, South Africa, and continue in my challenging and fulfilling role as Chief Executive Officer of SuperSport International.”