Picture Credit: ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced that Chief Executive Officer 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 board, the cricket body said in a statement.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting chaired by the ICC Chairman Greg Barclay. In March after several allegations emerged against him, Sawhney was suspended following an internal review conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC). He had strongly denied the allegations. Serious charges were levelled against Sawhney, whose “authoritarian working style” did not sit well with the employees and other stakeholders.
Sawhney denies the claims made against him
Apart from being alleged for misconduct, disrespectful behavior, and aggression towards his colleagues, Sawhney was also found guilty of implementing decisions and failing to report to the ICC. Sawhney, however denied these claims.
“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 premeditated witch hunt.”
Sawhney previously worked as CEO of Singapore Sports Hub and also a non-executive director and member of the Audit committee of Premier League club Manchester United Ltd. He also served as the Managing Director of ESPN Star Sports, a company he worked in for 17 years.