The upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Singapore (July 17-20) will witness a closely contested election among the Associate Members (AMs) for three coveted spots on the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) of the International Cricket Council. A total of eight candidates are competing for these two-year tenures, with the poll taking place on the conference’s opening day.
The Candidates in the Fray:
- Anuraag Bhatnagar (Hong Kong)
- Tim Cutler (Vanuatu)
- Sarah Gomersall (Jersey)
- Gurdeep Klair (Canada)
- Palani Gurumurhty (France)
- Sankar Renganathan (Sierra Leone)
- Stella Siale Vaea Tagitau (Samoa)
- Sumod Damodar (Botswana, incumbent)
Two sitting members, Rashpal Bajwa (Canada) and Umair Butt (Denmark), have opted not to seek re-election. This means only Sumod Damodar returns as an incumbent, bringing considerable experience, having served four previous terms.
A total of 45 Associate Members will cast their votes, each selecting three candidates in order of preference.
Sumod Damodar: The Experienced Voice
Damodar, a widely respected Indian-origin administrator from Botswana, emphasized the need for “unequivocal neutrality and absolute commitment” in ICC representation. He highlighted the diversity among the AMs and stressed the importance of voicing their concerns on the global stage.
“Representation at any level requires unequivocal neutrality and absolute commitment to serve without any bias… I hope to continue my efforts to voice the concerns and needs of the AMs, if given an opportunity,” Damodar told Cricbuzz.
Cricket to Feature in 2027 Pan Am Games
In other significant Associate Member news, Panam Sports has officially included cricket among the 36 disciplines for the 2027 Pan American Games. The event will take place in Lima, Peru from July 16 to August 1, 2027—a major milestone for the sport’s growth in the Americas.
Key Takeaways:
- Eight candidates from diverse cricketing nations are up for three CEC seats at the ICC, with voting to occur at the Singapore annual conference.
- Only one incumbent, Sumod Damodar, seeks re-election, offering experience and continuity.
- Cricket’s inclusion in the 2027 Pan Am Games signals continued expansion and recognition for Associate Members in the global cricket ecosystem.
