Shashank Manohar, one of the most powerful men in world cricket, today quit as ICC chairman after less than a year in the job.
Manohar cited “personal reasons” for his decision to leave the role, to which he was elected unopposed in May 2016. Since then, Manohar (right) had been credited with trying to dilute some of the influence wielded by cricket’s ‘Big Three’ — India, Australia and England.
In a letter addressed to ICC chief executive David Richardson, Manohar wrote: "I have tried to do my best and have tried to be fair and impartial in deciding matters in the functioning of the board and in matters related to member boards, along with the able support of all directors.
"However, for personal reasons it is not possible for me to hold the office of ICC chairman and hence I am tendering my resignation with immediate effect."
Earlier this year, the ICC reached agreement on a fresh constitution designed to bring greater equality to the finances of world cricket, with less money and power in the hands of India, England and Australia.
The final decision on that agreement was due to be taken at the ICC board’s meetings in April.
It is unclear whether Manohar’s resignation is linked to the possible outcome of that meeting.
Manohar told ESPNcricinfo: "It has nothing to do with the ICC functioning or these issues which are going to come up. Personal reason means genuinely personal. And I don't lie."
Cricket’s world governing body must now seek a new leader. The replacement is likely to be drawn from one of the ICC’s full members but Manohar’s successor should not hold a post within his home board.
