The chief executive of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, Tony Irish, has decided to end his tenure because of some personal issues after having been the appointed in the role in September last year.
Also an executive chair for the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), Tony Irish said, “It’s an honour to have served as Chief Executive of the PCA but it’s also been a very challenging time for me and my daughters in England,” he said on Monday (July 13). “I have made a decision based on what’s best for us as a family.”
PCA’s commercial director, Rob Lynch, will step into Irish’s shoes and work as an interim chief executive and wished him success upon his return to South Africa.
“I wish Tony and his daughters the very best on their return to South Africa,” he said. “Tony has had a big influence on the management team, especially in these very testing times.
“Having worked in our Oval office during the winter and an increased day-to-day involvement over the past few months, I have full faith in our excellent and dedicated team, led by Rob Lynch to continue championing the ongoing interests of professional cricketers in England and Wales.”
Irish took some time off from the role and resumed in June for just a brief period. Daryl Mitchell filled in the position in absence of Irish and also had Heather Knight and James Harris appointed as two new vice-chairs to share the growing workload.
Julian Metherell, the PCA non-executive chairman, acknowledged how Irish was of a great help to the association wade, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic outburst.
“It is a great disappointment Tony has had to leave the PCA and I want to thank him for all of his hard work during incredibly challenging times,” she pointed out.
“Tony led the PCA expertly through the initial stages of the Coronavirus crisis which has caused many unforeseen challenges. I am pleased he can now fully prioritise his family, he departs with our understanding and we all wish him well for the future.”
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