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Dubai: The International Cricket Council's (ICC) search for a new Chief Executive Officer to succeed Malcolm Speed received a setback when South Africa's Imtiaz Patel turned down the offer on Monday.
The ICC board selected Patel as the candidate for the post during a meeting in Dubai last week. Patel indicated his decision through a telephonic conversation with ICC President-Elect David Morgan.
Following Patel's decision, the ICC issued a press release stating that: "Patel has withdrawn his interest in assuming the role as the next ICC CEO".
Patel, who is currently the CEO of South African media organisation SuperSport, in a statement said: "My family and I have reflected deeply on the wonderful opportunity which the ICC presented to me to fulfil 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."
The recruitment committee will now have to meet again to select another candidate.
"The recruitment committee will select the next candidate, but we will not be announcing the date and time of the next meeting of the committee as it would take place face to face or via teleconference," Brian Murgatroyd, the ICC Manager, Media and Communication told Gulf News.
Likely candidates
When asked if the recruitment committee would select the new candidate from the available list or fresh candidates would also be considered, Murgatroyd said: "We cannot comment on the preferences of the recruitment committee."
The ICC also put the record straight as it had sought the availability of Patel before selecting him for his new role.
"Patel's permission was sought to announce his name as the preferred candidate ahead of the media conference in Dubai. Patel had also spoken to Morgan," said Murgatroyd.
Reacting to Patel's decision, Morgan said: "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 However, the fact that Imtiaz has withdrawn does not mean that, by default, we will be left with a candidate who is, in any way, inferior to him."
Haroon Lorgat, the former convener of the South African selection committee has now emerged as a strong candidate for the post. Dave Richardson, the former South African wicketkeeper who is now ICC General Manager (Cricket), is also another strong favourite to succeed Speed, who has held the post since 2001.
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