Will Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom Step Down After Nearly 19 Years?

New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) Warren Deutrom, the Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Ireland, is set to resign from his position by the end of August, concluding a remarkable tenure of almost 19 years. Having been appointed in December 2006, Deutrom has played a pivotal role in Ireland’s journey toward becoming a full-member nation and achieving Test-playing status from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017.

“Articulating my emotions regarding this decision is challenging – my role as CEO of Cricket Ireland has comprised over a third of my life and two-thirds of my career. It has felt more like a calling and a genuine labour of love rather than just a job,” he expressed.

“The achievement of ICC Full Membership and Test status stands out as the most remarkable accomplishment I will cherish – indeed, if the first ten years were focused on securing ICC Full Membership/Test status, the following decade has been about living up to that honour.”

“With new ICC funding, plans for permanent infrastructure, a World Cup to co-host, a central contracts system for both men and women, and the European T20 Premier League on the horizon, I feel optimistic that the groundwork is laid for realizing this new vision, making it the appropriate moment for me to pass the torch.”

Deutrom remarked, “While it’s impossible to list all the highlights of my role, the most cherished memories are of our Irish cricket family – the wonderful individuals, supportive mentors, and valued friends I’ve encountered throughout this journey. I eagerly anticipate personally expressing my gratitude to as many people as I can in the coming weeks.”

With nearly 30 years in cricket administration, Deutrom has held significant roles, including head of events for both the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board. He is also a member of the ICC Chief Executives Committee and ICC Women’s Cricket Committee, in addition to chairing the European T20 Premier League.

He has served on both the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and the Olympic Council of Ireland Disciplinary Panel, and previously was a Board Director of both the Federation of Irish Sport and the European Cricket Council.

Cricket Ireland has announced plans for a thorough recruitment process to appoint the next CEO, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the future growth and sustainability of cricket in the nation.

“The true measure of success for any CEO is whether they leave the organization in a better state than they found it. There’s no question that Warren has accomplished this. It’s clear that cricket – especially Irish cricket – has been more than a job for Warren; it’s been his passion,” Cricket Ireland stated.

“He has facilitated some of the most notable achievements in our sport, notably the attainment of Full Membership of the ICC. He transformed an emerging organization, guided it through an unparalleled growth phase, and navigated challenges such as the economic downturn and the Covid pandemic, all while keeping his focus on the broader vision.”

“Such a role demands exceptional skill, dedication, enthusiasm, and selflessness, traits Warren possesses in abundance. He concludes his tenure not only with an impressive list of achievements but also with several significant projects underway – including the stadium and co-hosting of the T20 World Cup – that herald a promising future for Irish cricket.”

“On behalf of the Board and staff of Cricket Ireland, I extend my gratitude to Warren for his exemplary leadership and dedication as CEO, and I wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors,” added Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland.