On August 22, 2024, at 05:43 PM IST, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that PepsiCo head Indra Nooyi had completed her six-year term as the organization’s first independent woman director. This marked the end of a significant era in the ICC’s history, as Nooyi had been a trailblazer in her role since her appointment in 2018.
Nooyi’s tenure as the ICC’s independent woman director was characterized by her strong leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the sport of cricket. During her time in office, she made significant contributions to the organization, helping to shape its policies and initiatives to better serve the cricketing community worldwide.
With Nooyi’s term coming to an end, the ICC is now on the lookout for a new female independent director to fill her shoes. The organization’s all-powerful board has already begun the search for a high-profile candidate who can continue Nooyi’s legacy and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
According to the ICC statute, the new independent director must be a woman who meets the Director Eligibility Criteria to ensure that equality, diversity, and inclusivity interests in the sport of cricket are appropriately represented. The selection process will involve the board of directors electing an individual for a two-year term from a list of at least three recommendations provided by the Nominations Committee.
A source close to the ICC Board revealed that the criteria for the appointment are broad, allowing for candidates from various backgrounds, including the corporate world and sports. Potential candidates could include individuals like Meg Lanning, Charlotte Edwards, or other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to sports, business, or society in general.
In addition to the search for a new female independent director, the ICC is also set to appoint a new chairman following Greg Barclay’s decision not to seek a third term. The upcoming changes in leadership present an opportunity for the organization to bring in fresh perspectives, drive innovation, and continue its mission of promoting cricket as a global sport.
As the ICC prepares for these leadership transitions, cricket fans and stakeholders around the world are eager to see who will step into these key roles and lead the organization into its next chapter. The appointment of a new female independent director and chairman will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the ICC and its efforts to promote cricket as a sport that is inclusive, diverse, and accessible to all.