Ian Watmore to succeed Colin Graves as ECB chairman

The former FA chief-executive will shadow Graves until taking over the role on a full-time basis in November 2020

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The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed Ian Watmore will replace Colin Graves as chairman later this year.

The 61-year-old's nomination has been agreed to by the ECB Board and will be ratified by members at the AGM in May.

Watmore, described as a "lifelong cricket fan" has held multiple senior roles in sport including as chief-executive at The Football Association and on the board of England Rugby 2015.

In 2016, he was appointed by The Queen to chair the Board of Civil Service Commission, a role he will continue to occupy until 2021 alongside his new ECB position.

Before taking over the role on a full-time basis from November 2020, Watmore will shadow Graves to learn the rigours of the position.

Seventy-two-year Graves was due to leave the role this spring but his tenure, which began in 2015, was extended to ensure he could help deliver The Hundred in its inaugural year.

“I am incredibly proud to be appointed to such a prestigious position and look forward to continuing Colin’s work and making the most of the tremendous momentum that cricket is currently enjoying," said Watmore.

^{Colin Graves was awarded a CBE as part of the 2020 New Years Honours}

“I feel privileged to be given this opportunity to help a sport that I care passionately about. All my life, I’ve seen the power of sport to unite communities. 

"I look forward to working with the ECB and its stakeholders to grow the international, domestic and recreational game and make a positive difference to society.”

The outgoing Graves added: "I am delighted that Ian has been appointed to be the next ECB Chair.

"When I took the post back in 2015, I could not have dreamed that the game would be in the shape it is today. The opportunity to grow cricket and bring more people into the game has never been so significant.”

Confirmation of Watmore's appointment comes after what the ECB claim was a "rigorous search and selection process" headed by ECB non-executive director Lucy Pearson and current chairman of the ECB cricket committee Sir Andrew Strauss, both of whom are former England internationals.