David Richards was the first CEO of the ICC, appointed when the organization professionalized its administration. An Australian administrator, he oversaw the ICC's transition from a part-time body run by the MCC to a full-time professional organization. His tenure saw massive commercial growth in cricket but also the match-fixing scandal that threatened the sport's integrity.
Key Achievements
- •First professional CEO of the ICC, establishing the modern administrative structure
- •Oversaw significant growth in ICC commercial revenues
- •Helped establish the ICC's independent operations away from the MCC
- •Initiated the Future Tours Programme to ensure scheduled bilateral series
Controversies
- •The match-fixing scandal erupted during his tenure, raising questions about oversight
- •Was criticized for being slow to act on early warnings about corruption in cricket
- •Financial management of the ICC came under scrutiny