Speed's exit is 'a sad reflection of ICC'

Dubai: Former International Cricket Council President Ehsan Mani feels that Malcolm Speed being asked to leave his job as head of cricket's world governing body in a row over Zimbabwe reflects problems within the administrator's board.

The International Cricket Council announced on Friday that Speed is to step down early over Zimbabwe.

The move was reportedly prompted by Speed's unhappiness at the board's failure to take any action against Zimbabwe Cricket after an independent audit raised questions about its finances.

"It is a sad reflection of the ICC today and its board members. This incident highlights the failure of good governance within the ICC," remarked Mani to Gulf News from London.

"The ICC does have a credibility issue which can only be won back through transparency in its decision-making process. The ICC is fortunate that David Morgan will be taking over as president later this year," he added.

Talking about Speed's tenure and his abilities as an administrator, Mani said: "Speed is an outstanding administrator. He has made an immense contribution to the ICC."

Mani held the post of president from 2003 to 2006 and has worked closely with Speed.

When asked whether this incident may produce weak CEOs in future, Mani said: "Unfortunately this incident does give the wrong signal. I hope it will not inhibit any future CEO of the ICC from expressing his views."

To a question whether Speed as a CEO should have taken a personal stance on the Zimbabwe issue, and whether it is within his rights to do so, Mani said: "Speed is not only the CEO but also a director of the ICC. As such he is fully entitled to express his views without fear or favour.

"The CEO's advice must always be in the best interest of his organisation and it is the directors duty to act in the best interest of the ICC. I have always found Speed to express his opinions in a professional and forthright manner."

Mani and Speed had together steered the ICC through a tumultuous period in its history, and the former president said he had always "encouraged constructive debate".

"All directors, including the CEO, were fully entitled to express their opinion without fear; however, after a matter was fully debated I expected all the directors to accept the decision of the board in a mature and responsible manner."