ICC CEO Manu Sawhney sent on "leave" for his conduct against auditors & may resign before term ends

[hoshiarpurexpress]

ICC CEO Manu Sawhney sent on "leave" for his conduct against auditors & may resign before term ends

The International Cricket Council's Chief Executive Manu Sawhney has been sent on "leave" after his conduct came under the scanner during an internal investigation by audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and may resign before his term ends.

It is understood that Sawhney, who replaced Dave Richardson after the ICC World Cup in 2019 for a tenure till 2022, hasn't also been on best of terms with some of the influential cricket boards with regards various policy decisions.

He has come under scrutiny for his allegedly "abrasive behaviour" with colleagues.

"There have been testimonies from multiple ICC staff about his 'abrasive behaviour' which hasn't been great for the morale of a very efficient group of employees," a senior official close to the ICC Board told PTI on conditions of anonymity.


The 56-year-old hasn't been attending office for some time and was asked to go on leave on Tuesday.

"The Board of Directors are trying to find a compromise formula where Sawhney leaves the post with dignity by tendering his resignation," the source said.

He has been under pressure since the election process for the new chairman was set in motion last year, which ended with Greg Barclay taking the position in November.

It is alleged that Sawhney's "authoritarian style of functioning" is far removed from the inclusive approach taken by Richardson and has not gone down well with the employees.

Also, a few cricket boards seem unhappy with him for backing interim chairman Imran Khawaja during the elections last year.

"He hasn't exactly been a favourite of a lot of cricket boards during the past couple of years. Firstly, a lot of people didn't like his passive involvement when Greg Barclay of New Zealand and Imran Khwaja of Singapore were in contention to replace Shahshank Manohar," a senior BCCI source privy to developments in the ICC told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The second reason why some of the bigger boards are upset is his backing to the ICC's recent decision of asking boards to bid and pay a fee for hosting events during the next cycle.

It is understood that BCCI, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia are completely against the idea and have made their displeasure clear at the various board meetings.

Another reason is a proposal backed by him to have at least one ICC flagship event every year during the next eight-year cycle from 2023-2031, which hasn't also got the vote of the 'Big Three'.

In case Sawhney chooses not to resign, it could lead to a long-drawn removal procedure by all-powerful Board of Directors.

"Manu also has support within the board which is now split into two factions of 9 and 8 members on each sides. To remove Manu, one would need 12 out of the 17 votes, which is two third of the Board of Directors since he came with approval of majority of the board.

"It will be interesting if the faction comprising 'Big Three' can get 12 out of the 17 votes required to remove him," the source said.

Sawhney is the former CEO of Singapore Sports Hub and also served as Managing Director of ESPN Star Sports, a company he worked with for 17 years.

He is also a non-executive director and member of the Audit Committee of Manchester United Ltd.

https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cric...y-resign-before-term-ends/article34034319.ece

 

[Last Monetarist]

It reads like an orchestrated press release by the Big 3.

I am sure Sawhney's authoritarian management style won't have been a problem if he had backed the BCCI's candidate for chairman, or had backed down on the idea of boards bidding for ICC events.

The BCCI, as always, get their way in the end.

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

jay shah isn't happy with ICC CEO Manu Sawhney so he sent him on leave..
Now just like his dad Amit shah he will wait for manu to go on morning walk if he doesn't accept his resignation.

 

[NoBallZombie]

It reads like an orchestrated press release by the Big 3.

I am sure Sawhney's authoritarian management style won't have been a problem if he had backed the BCCI's candidate for chairman, or had backed down on the idea of boards bidding for ICC events.

The BCCI, as always, get their way in the end.

Nice, I dont think we need the ICC anymore. We already have BCCI and I would rather have the funds that go to pay these ICC folks go to promote cricket in smaller countries.

 

[Babeikh]

It reads like an orchestrated press release by the Big 3.

I am sure Sawhney's authoritarian management style won't have been a problem if he had backed the BCCI's candidate for chairman, or had backed down on the idea of boards bidding for ICC events.

The BCCI, as always, get their way in the end.

Yes exactly, ICC is run like a mob protection racket

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Conspiracies theories galore. It is clearly mentioned that ICC staff complained and deposed before management to complain about his behaviour. And there were reports of similar experiences with previous Singapore employment.
But somehow, BCCI=ICC is the problem.. lol..

 

[Rightarmfast]

jay shah isn't happy with ICC CEO Manu Sawhney so he sent him on leave..
Now just like his dad Amit shah he will wait for manu to go on morning walk if he doesn't accept his resignation.

This could be closer to the truth. There's got to be more than meets the eye.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Money is the ultimate power symbol. BCCI has the cricketing money and they are ruling the cricket world, simple economics.

Pakistan and every other country should simply focus on their game and put on a good show when people are watching. They cannot shout and change the economics of the game.

 

[Oxfordchamp]

Bottom line is Don't mess with BCCI.
They will fix you and show you your place.

 

[Indiafan]

It reads like an orchestrated press release by the Big 3.

I am sure Sawhney's authoritarian management style won't have been a problem if he had backed the BCCI's candidate for chairman, or had backed down on the idea of boards bidding for ICC events.

The BCCI, as always, get their way in the end.

Yes exactly, ICC is run like a mob protection racket

So it's a coincidence that Manu had the same complaints in his last role in Singapore Sports Hub and had a similar investigation?

https://www.todayonline.com/sports/sports-hub-ceo-sawhney-exits-consortium

Look at the language there,

Sources had told TODAY that the complaint contained details of his management style, his treatment of staff, and his commercial decisions
Read more at https://www.todayonline.com/sports/sports-hub-ceo-sawhney-exits-consortium

Exactly the same as current complaints against him


So BCCI owns Singapore Sports Hub too?

 

[Last Monetarist]

So it's a coincidence that Manu had the same complaints in his last role in Singapore Sports Hub and had a similar investigation?

https://www.todayonline.com/sports/sports-hub-ceo-sawhney-exits-consortium

Look at the language there,



Exactly the same as current complaints against him


So BCCI owns Singapore Sports Hub too?

Don't be naive.

Do you really imagine that Sahwney would have a problem in retaining his job if he had supported the BCCI and the other big boards on the two main issues dominating the ICC's agenda over the past year (the appointment of the Chairman and the future structure and allocation of ICC events)?

The BCCI and the ECB haven't typically had a problem with authoritarian leaders in the past.

 

[Babeikh]

So it's a coincidence that Manu had the same complaints in his last role in Singapore Sports Hub and had a similar investigation?

https://www.todayonline.com/sports/sports-hub-ceo-sawhney-exits-consortium

Look at the language there,



Exactly the same as current complaints against him


So BCCI owns Singapore Sports Hub too?

I'm sure he isn't an angel but I'm also sure he wouldn't be 'sent on leave' if he supported BCCI position on everything.

 

[MenInG]

NEW DELHI: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Manu Sawhney, who has been told to go on leave over an 'adverse' internal report, was probed on three counts by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), a top professional services firm, sources said.
Sawhney became the fifth Chief Executive of the ICC on April 1, 2019, succeeding David Richardson, a former South Africa Test wicket-keeper.

"PwC's investigation of Sawhney was three-layered. The first step was at the level of the ICC executive board, which comprises the heads of the national cricket boards, or their nominees, of the Test playing countries and representatives of the ICC Associate Members," a source told IANS.

"The second level of probe was the interviews of the ICC employees. And the third was an online general inquiry with the employees. For the third step, the employees were sent a form that they had to fill and return. A large majority of the employees filled this form," he said.

The source also said that Sawhney's relationship with the ICC employees was far from cordial.

"He would put a lot of pressure on the employees. He would, at times, ask them to deliver the assignment in a very short span of time. Due to this, and some other associated factors, some of the employees suffered from mental depression," the source said.

"Some employees were unable to sustain the pressure, and around one-fifth of the employees were either asked to go or left on their own accord in the last two years or so. Among those who left were a couple of those who he brought into the ICC. He also created new posts," the source claimed.

However, it seems the biggest reason for which Sawhney seems to be paying a price is that he allegedly sided with one of the two "groups" of member countries within the ICC. This, claimed the source, became apparent in the lead up to the acrimonious election for the ICC's Independent Chair held in November.

"He virtually 'campaigned' for one of the groups, and backed its candidate, something that is not ethical, especially for a CEO," the source said.

Greg Barclay was eventually elected as Independent Chair, succeeding Shashank Manohar of India.

Finally, a majority of employees complained about his behaviour and that led to the investigation.

"His actions in the lead up to the election antagonised one group, and the joint complaint of the employees was the proverbial last straw," said the source.

It is, however, not known for how long Sawhney has been sent on leave. It is likely that the ICC might take a decision in his case at its next executive board meeting this month.

A product of the Delhi Public School (RK Puram), New Delhi, Sawhney is a mechanical engineer and MBA. He had worked for ITC Global Holdings, ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd, ESPN Star Sports, Singapore Sports Hub, and Manchester United, before joining the ICC on April 1, 2019.

"A senior executive with a strong entrepreneurial drive and proven success in leadership roles across multiple markets in identifying new business opportunities, key account management, innovative customer acquisition initiatives, developing strategic partnerships and business transformation to ensure profitable growth and value creation," says Sawhney's profile on LinkedIn.

"Recognised as an inspiring, collaborative leader with strong negotiating and influencing skills and ability to motivate and lead people in diverse cultural environments," it says.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...aced-3-layered-probe/articleshow/81453233.cms

 

[MenInG]

New Delhi: In a seemingly last ditch attempt, suspended International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Manu Sawhney on Wednesday requested the ICC Executive Board members to "uphold the basic principles of the ICC -- accountability, fairness, and integrity" -- and appoint an "independent ethics tribunal" to hear his case.

Sawhney's appeal, incidentally, comes just a day before ICC has convened an emergency Executive Board meeting on Thursday, probably to take a decision in his case, said a source. However, Sawhney, who was suspended on March 9 for alleged indecent behaviour towards his colleagues, has "grave doubts over whether my case has even been presented to the Board, whether accurately, or at all".

"Clearly, it is inappropriate for the ICC chairman [Greg Barclay] to be responsible for disciplinary action against the ICC CEO in circumstances where the chairman is the person who made the allegations against the CEO," Sawhney wrote in the letter, seen by IANS.

"The ICC Code of Ethics (which is expressly referred to in my employment contract) contains a fair and impartial process for dealing with sensitive matters, in the form of an independent Ethics Tribunal, and I request that one to be appointed to hear my case. The chairman should not be allowed to use the terms of my employment contract to circumvent basic procedural fairness, transparency, and accountability," he said.

Sawhney makes it clear that only the ICC Board as a whole, and not its chairman alone, has the authority to sack him.

"Irrespective of the terms of my employment contract, under paragraph 3.3(A) of the ICC Constitution, only the Board has the authority to terminate my employment agreement," he has pointed out.

"I urge the Board to consider and address each of these issues, as well as my case as a whole, at the next of the ICC Board in order [to] uphold the basic principles of the ICC - accountability, fairness, and integrity."

Sawhney was accused of "targeted acts of bullying against certain [ICC] staff"; of "physical aggression, such as fist banging"; and, of having "impacted directly and indirectly on individuals' health and wellbeing through [his] behaviour". The fourth allegation was that he did not "properly report to the [ICC] Board and have implemented decisions or changes without proper consultation with the Board".

Following the allegation, the ICC appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for a culture review of the ICC, an exercise that Sawhney's camp alleged could have cost up to $200,000. On the basis the PwC report, which the Sawhney suspects hasn't been shared with all ICC Board members, the CEO was suspended in March.

Sawhney says the ICC chairman had made the accusation against him, and even he (Sawhney) was given the PwC report "seven days after being suspended on March 9, 2021".

Sawhney was appointed ICC CEO in January 2019.

A source said on Wednesday that the ICC Board was expected to meet virtually for an emergency meeting on Thursday while the annual ICC Board meeting would be held on July 18.

"Throughout the last few months I have been deeply concerned and saddened by the unfair process which I have been subjected to and which could potentially result in my unilateral removal as the CEO of the ICC. The process has been undertaken without any accountability, transparency, and fairness. It sets a very dangerous precedent at the ICC and undermines the integrity of the ICC Board," Sawhney wrote in his two-page letter on Wednesday.

"The Board has ultimate authority over my ongoing employment with the ICC and yet I have grave doubts over whether my case has even been presented to the Board, whether accurately or at all."

Sawhney wrote he even raised his case with the ICC's independent director Indra Nooyi, but "regrettably, I have not received any response".

"I, therefore, request the following items to be added to the agenda of the next meeting of the ICC Board:

"1- The PwC report was commissioned by the Board at great expense to the ICC. It is incumbent on the Board to request (i) that all Directors be immediately provided with a full copy of the report; and (ii) an explanation for the four-month delay in providing a full copy of the report to the Board.

"2- I ask the Board to question why the ICC has adopted, and continues to adopt, a petty and vindictive approach towards me which has included refusing to me my sick pay in breach of ICC sick pay policy, failing to provide me my payslips for 2021 (which I need for personal reasons) and failing to pay me a performance bonus for 2020, despite that fact that all other staff (for whom I was responsible) received one.

"3- I have not received any correspondence from the [ICC] chairman for three weeks since my disciplinary hearing on 17 June 2021. Instead, on 2 July 2021, the Ethics Officer informed me that he is now investigating me under the ICC Code of Ethics. Frankly, it is beyond belief that my conduct as an official of the ICC is being questioned given the prejudicial way I have been treated. I request the Board to reject this blatant attempt to use a second witch-hunt to cover-up the ICC chairman's conduct in this matter to date.

"4- The chairman continues to assume sole conduct of my case on the basis that my employment contact states: Responsibility for any disciplinary action against the Executive will rest with the chairman and as set out in the ICC Code of Ethics or other such document."

The source said that since it is now an open fight between the ICC chairman and the CEO, it is most likely that Sawhney was on his way out. "Interestingly, all these issues were born with the much maligned and much delayed election for the ICC chairman after Shashank Manohar declined to take a third term as ICC chairman," he said.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...tral-ethics-tribunal-to-judge-his-case/781757

 

[MenInG]

The International Cricket Council today announced that Chief Executive 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 ICC Board.

 

[MenInG]

The International Cricket Council said on Friday that chief executive Manu Sawhney would be leaving after sources reported that an investigation had found evidence of misconduct.

Geoff Allardice will remain as acting CEO following the review of Sawhney’s actions and management conduct at the helm of cricket’s world governing body by the business consultancy PwC.

ICC officials have not said what allegations were made against Sawhney, but Indian media previously reported they involved the treatment of staff and some decisions.

Reports said there had also been clashes with the main ICC members from Australia, England and India over future events.

“The International Cricket Council today announced that chief executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organisation with immediate effect,” the ICC said in a statement.

“Geoff Allardice will continue as Acting CEO supported by the leadership team working closely with the ICC Board.”

The ICC had wanted to use Sawhney’s experience to further boost its television revenues. He previously ran the ESPN Star Sports network that had major cricket deals as well as the Singapore Sports Hub.

Sawhney resigned as head of the Singapore sports and entertainment complex in 2017 following an internal complaint, Singapore media said, though the owners decided that no further action was warranted.—AFP

https://pakobserver.net/international-cricket-chief-sawhney-out-after-inquiry-icc/

 

[MenInG]

The ICC appoints Geoff Allardice as CEO

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed Geoff Allardice has been appointed as the organisation’s permanent CEO after more than eight months in the role on an interim basis.

Allardice, a former first-class cricketer, was the ICC General Manager, Cricket for eight years having previously held a similar role at Cricket Australia.

Greg Barclay, ICC Chair said: “I am delighted that Geoff has agreed to take the role of ICC CEO on a permanent basis. He has shown tremendous leadership during an extremely challenging period culminating in the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

“Geoff has unrivaled knowledge of the global cricket landscape and its stakeholders and has consistently demonstrated he is the right person to work in partnership with our Members to shape the sport for the next decade as we embark on delivering a new strategy and our next commercial rights cycle.”

Geoff Allardice, ICC CEO added: “It’s a great privilege to be appointed as the CEO of the ICC and I would like to thank Greg and the ICC Board for the opportunity to lead the sport as we enter an exciting new phase of growth.

“My continued focus will be on doing the right thing for our sport and working closely with Members to deliver long-term success and sustainability. I would also like to thank the ICC staff for their commitment and support over the last eight months and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve cricket with such a talented team.”