Eight cricketing nations are competing for just three seats on the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) of the International Cricket Council (ICC). These elections will be held on July 17, the first day of the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore, which runs from July 17 to 20. This is a big moment for the Associate Members of the ICC, as they get a rare opportunity to help shape the future of world cricket.
The candidates in the race come from a mix of nations, reflecting the ICC’s growing reach. Anuraag Bhatnagar (Hong Kong), Tim Cutler (Vanuatu), Sarah Gomersall (Jersey), Gurdeep Klair (Canada), Palani Gurumurhty (France), Sankar Renganathan (Sierra Leone), and Stella Siale Vaea Tagitau (Samoa) are the fresh faces hoping to make a difference. They are joined by the current committee member, Sumod Damodar from Botswana, who is seeking re-election.
Out of the existing committee members, Rashpal Bajwa from Canada and Umair Butt from Denmark have decided not to stand for election again. Each elected candidate will serve a two-year term on the committee. A total of 45 Associate Members will take part in the vote, and each one must vote for three candidates, ranking them in order of preference.
Sumod Damodar, the only returning candidate and an experienced figure in ICC affairs, shared his views with Cricbuzz. “The nominees contesting for the CEC are worthy opponents, in their own right, albeit two of the incumbents do not feature,” he said. “As the only incumbent in the race and having served previously on CEC, I truly hope that my credentials and experience would merit the required support to achieve the desired successful outcome.”
Damodar, who has already been elected four times to the committee, also spoke about the responsibility that comes with such a position. He emphasized the need for fairness, neutrality, and a true commitment to the job. “I have always maintained that representation at any level requires unequivocal neutrality and absolute commitment to serve without any bias,” he explained.
He further added that the unique mix of cultures and cricketing backgrounds among Associate Members makes the role even more meaningful. “The diversity among Associate Members is also such an exciting environment, and the efforts to unite all corners of the globe are excellent challenges,” Damodar said. “I hope to continue my efforts to voice the concerns and needs of the AMs, if given an opportunity to do so.”
ICC Associate Member Election – Diverse Voices Compete for Global Role
The race is heating up as eight Associate Member countries prepare to compete for three key positions on the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The upcoming ICC Associate Member Election will be held on July 17 during the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore, which will run from July 17 to 20. This event will bring together important voices in cricket governance from across the globe.
This year, eight individuals are standing for election to these influential roles. They are: Anuraag Bhatnagar (Hong Kong), Tim Cutler (Vanuatu), Sarah Gomersall (Jersey), Gurdeep Klair (Canada), Palani Gurumurhty (France), Sankar Renganathan (Sierra Leone), Stella Siale Vaea Tagitau (Samoa), and the current member Sumod Damodar (Botswana). These candidates represent a wide geographic and cultural spectrum within the world of Associate Member cricket nations.
Two former CEC members, Rashpal Bajwa (Canada) and Umair Butt (Denmark), have decided not to run this time. The elected candidates will serve a term of two years. A total of 45 Associate Members are eligible to vote, and each of them must select three candidates in order of preference on their ballot.
Sumod Damodar of Botswana is the only incumbent in this year’s field. With a strong background and four previous terms on the CEC, he is banking on his experience. Speaking to the media, he stated, “The nominees contesting for the CEC are worthy opponents, in their own right, albeit two of the incumbents do not feature.”
He continued, “As the only incumbent in the race and having served previously on CEC, I truly hope that my credentials and experience would merit the required support to achieve the desired successful outcome.”
Damodar, who is of Indian origin, emphasized that true representation requires neutrality and dedication. “I have always maintained that representation at any level requires unequivocal neutrality and absolute commitment to serve without any bias,” he said.
He also shared his thoughts on the broader mission of the committee: “The diversity among Associate Members is also such an exciting environment, and the efforts to unite all corners of the globe are excellent challenges. I hope to continue my efforts to voice the concerns and needs of the AMs, if given an opportunity to do so.”
Also Read:
- Such a miracle happened for the first time in England, the pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill created new history
- Shubman Gill Says Beating England at Home in a Test Series Is Bigger Than an IPL Win
ICC Associate Member Election: Key Candidates and Voting Dynamics Revealed
The ICC Associate Member Election is more than just a vote; it’s a statement about the future of cricket in non-Test-playing nations. As the date draws near, each candidate is highlighting their unique vision to strengthen and support Associate Members.
In the middle of all the campaigning, the ICC has confirmed that the Associate Member Election will follow a strict process. Each of the 45 Associate Members must cast votes for three candidates, arranged in their preferred order. This means that networking, reputation, and vision will all play important roles in the final outcome.
For many of the Associate nations, the ICC Associate Member Election offers a rare chance to influence decision-making at the top level. The CEC plays a vital role in shaping global cricket strategies and supporting the development of the game in less-established regions.
The election this year promises not just competition, but also collaboration. With a broad mix of candidates from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, the new members will bring fresh ideas and diverse experience to the committee.
Cricket Confirmed for 2027 Pan Am Games
In a separate and exciting development for the cricketing world, Panam Sports has officially added cricket as one of the 36 sports to be played at the 2027 Pan American Games. The Games will take place in Lima, the capital city of Peru, from July 16 to August 1, 2027.
This announcement is a big win for cricket in the Americas, especially among Associate Members who now have an even greater reason to invest in the sport. With the sport being played at such a major international event, it may inspire growth in nations where cricket is still developing.
Cricket’s inclusion marks a significant moment in the sport’s global journey, and it could become a pathway for Associate Members to demonstrate their talent on a larger stage.
