Cricket Scotland CEO Gus Mackay quits role

The 54-year-old was placed on gardening leave in November following an internal investigation into complaints about his behaviour

Cricket Scotland chief executive Gus Mackay is to leave his position at the end of the month.

The 54-year-old, who enjoyed a brief international career as a player for Zimbabwe, was placed on gardening leave in November following an internal investigation into complaints about his behaviour.

A Cricket Scotland statement revealing his exit did not mention those matters and declared that Mackay had "decided to leave the organisation with effect from the end of February to pursue other opportunities".

The organisation's chair, Tony Brian, added: "We thank Gus for his hard work and commitment, particularly for the part he played in the success of the men's and women's national teams on the international stage last year, and wish him well for the future."

Mackay, who had been in the role since replacing Malcolm Cannon in 2019, previously held a number of administrative posts in cricket and rugby.

He said: "I wish Cricket Scotland and cricket across Scotland the very best for the future. The success of the men's and women's Teams at ICC events last year was a highlight that I hope will continue to inspire more people in Scotland to play cricket."

^{Mackay's departure statement mentioned the success of Scotland's national sides - the men's team impressed at the T20 World Cup (Aamir Qureshi/AFP via Getty Images)}

Separately, the governing body has been under significant pressure amid allegations of institutional racism in Scottish cricket from former off-spinner Majid Haq.

Several other players and coaches have since come forward to share similar experiences and Cricket Scotland called for an independent review run by Sport Scotland.

A statement released on social media in recent days accepted for the first time the organisation had "an issue with racism" and offered an apology to those who have "suffered".

"We accept there is an issue with racism in the game in Scotland and we are truly sorry that people involved have suffered racism," the statement said. "We want to listen, understand and learn how to make things better. The best way to have your voice heard is to contribute to the independent Plan4Sport review."

Speaking to The Cricketer, Haq described the public admission as "a massive step forward".

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