Ian Watmore appointment as ECB chairman ratified at annual general meeting

Watmore, a former chief executive of the Football Association, was unanimously voted in to replace Colin Graves in the role

Ian Watmore’s appointment as ECB chairman has been ratified by the national governing body at its annual general meeting, which took place virtually.

Watmore, a former chief executive of the Football Association, was unanimously voted in by the ECB’s 41 members to replace Colin Graves in the post.

The 61-year-old will step into the role in September. The ECB was briefly forced to review its decision to hire Watmore after the Daily Mail reported that the Football League (EFL), of which he was an independent non-executive director, had opened an inquiry a week before his departure into a claim that he was involved in talks which led to EFL clubs threatening to launch a breakaway league.

A conduct review found that Watmore had committed “no wrongdoing”, with an ECB statement from May 1 explaining: “During an extensive process, that included a confidential review of the report referenced in media, the sub-committee has universally agreed that there was no evidence to support any allegation of wrongdoing on Ian Watmore’s part.”

Of his appointment, Watmore said: “I have made clear from the start of this process how important the cricket network is to our sport thriving across England and Wales. In a post-Covid-19 world, it is more important than ever before that we see sport connect communities and improve lives.

“That goal is only achievable with the support of the entire game and I look forward to working with the membership and other key stakeholders in delivering our ambitions.”

Graves added: “I am very pleased that Ian’s appointment as chair has been fully approved by our 41 valued members. His experience and deep passion for cricket will strongly support the progress and cohesion of the game over the next five years.

“The game’s newest test, the threat of Covid-19, will challenge us all. I am certain that no corner of the game will emerge the same. It will be our ability to stay united and remain agile that will see us through this most difficult of times.”

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