'ICC needs to change to meet demands' - Lorgat
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC's next chief executive, speaks to Cricinfo in an exclusive interview
Ajay S Shankar
04-Apr-2008
Speaking to Cricinfo hours before he was officially named the ICC's next chief executive, Haroon Lorgat says he is aware of the need for change but asserts that talk of internal differences is more perception than reality
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What will you bring to the table as the ICC's chief executive?
My professional background as a chartered accountant, surely. Lots of energy, valuable experience in the corporate world and of course, my involvement with cricket at the highest level, especially in running the game.
My professional background as a chartered accountant, surely. Lots of energy, valuable experience in the corporate world and of course, my involvement with cricket at the highest level, especially in running the game.
What is your vision for the ICC in this modern age of the game?
The ICC as an organisation needs to transform to meet the demands of the modern world. I think there is a lot of hard work that can go in to adapt to changes in the game. For example, the advent of Twenty20 and how world cricket adapts to it. I will sit with all senior officials of the ICC who are involved at the highest level on this, and work together towards a common vision.
The ICC as an organisation needs to transform to meet the demands of the modern world. I think there is a lot of hard work that can go in to adapt to changes in the game. For example, the advent of Twenty20 and how world cricket adapts to it. I will sit with all senior officials of the ICC who are involved at the highest level on this, and work together towards a common vision.
How do you see your role? What will be the biggest challenge for you?
There is the operational responsibility, of course. There will a focus on providing strategic direction to the organisation with the cooperation of all members. In the end, it is a typical CEO's job.
There is the operational responsibility, of course. There will a focus on providing strategic direction to the organisation with the cooperation of all members. In the end, it is a typical CEO's job.
The popular perception is that many of the ICC's decisions these days are influenced by the powerful financial clout that India enjoys in the world of cricket. How do you propose to ensure that all decisions taken under your leadership are fair and independent of any lobby or group?
I too have read various articles in the media about India's influence on the ICC. But I have also read the views of various members, and they have not experienced anything of this sort. So this could be a perception more than a reality. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all members to present a united front and assist the ICC in moving towards a common vision.
I too have read various articles in the media about India's influence on the ICC. But I have also read the views of various members, and they have not experienced anything of this sort. So this could be a perception more than a reality. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all members to present a united front and assist the ICC in moving towards a common vision.
The former BCCI president, IS Bindra, has already been appointed principal advisor to the ICC with crucial responsibilities, including ensuring healthy a relationship between member boards, that were once part of the CEO's job. Do you feel this new position has diluted the role and responsibility that goes with the CEO's job?
I would think that it is a strong point to have a strong team. In this case, I see Mr Bindra's presence as a positive. He is highly regarded in the international cricket community, he is vastly experienced, and he will be an asset to the ICC. But of course, it is important that everybody complements each other, rather than work against each other.
I would think that it is a strong point to have a strong team. In this case, I see Mr Bindra's presence as a positive. He is highly regarded in the international cricket community, he is vastly experienced, and he will be an asset to the ICC. But of course, it is important that everybody complements each other, rather than work against each other.
In today's cricket, one of the most worrisome factors to emerge is that of increasing cultural differences between member nations and teams, as proved by increasing strife and conflict on the field. How do you propose to tackle this issue and bridge the emerging gap between members from the subcontinent and the rest?
My understanding is that all member boards get along very well with each other. So once again, this could be a matter of perception more than reality.
My understanding is that all member boards get along very well with each other. So once again, this could be a matter of perception more than reality.
What is your view on cricketers sledging on the field? Do you think it needs to be banned altogether?
I think it will be difficult to ban sledging completely at the highest level. Sledging is a part of the game, it is part of any sport at the highest level. However, when it gets out of control, when it gets nasty, when it gets personal, the ICC will have to take the lead in stepping in to respond swiftly and decisively.
I think it will be difficult to ban sledging completely at the highest level. Sledging is a part of the game, it is part of any sport at the highest level. However, when it gets out of control, when it gets nasty, when it gets personal, the ICC will have to take the lead in stepping in to respond swiftly and decisively.
The ICC has been very rigid on its stance against the unauthorised Indian Cricket League. Do you think it's time now to be a little lenient and at least allow players involved in ICL to participate in domestic cricket in their respective countries, considering that it is a question of players' livelihood?
I am very clear on this: Anything that is not within the boundaries cannot be supported. You have to respect these boundaries and work within the system.
I am very clear on this: Anything that is not within the boundaries cannot be supported. You have to respect these boundaries and work within the system.
With the official Indian Premier League (IPL)set to launch this month, and attracting the best talent from across the world, do you think it's time to create a window in the international calendar for IPL matches so that all can benefit?
I think the IPL is a wonderful opportunity and an exciting development for world cricket. All I can say at this stage is the IPL deserves strong support at the highest level.
I think the IPL is a wonderful opportunity and an exciting development for world cricket. All I can say at this stage is the IPL deserves strong support at the highest level.
What is your position on the Zimbabwe issue, especially after KPMG, the respected international auditor, found the country's cricket administration to have been involved in financial mismanagement?
That's a difficult one. I think I need to give more thought to this issue before I can respond. I will have to absorb and consider all opinions within the ICC and outside before I can commit myself on this. At this point, I am coming into the situation from outside.
That's a difficult one. I think I need to give more thought to this issue before I can respond. I will have to absorb and consider all opinions within the ICC and outside before I can commit myself on this. At this point, I am coming into the situation from outside.
Over the last year, you have not been actively involved with the international cricket but have focused on successfully setting up an investment firm of your own. What motivated you to participate in the ICC's recruitment process for the CEO's job at this stage?
Even though I had resigned as convenor of South Africa's selection committee, I had been involved with cricket within South Africa as a selector for Cape Cobras, the franchise from Western Cape. So I was never far from the game. Then, sometime in December last year, the ICC's head-hunting firm contacted me and coaxed me into thinking about it seriously. Then, a lot of people including friends and family too started persuading me to join the process. And that's how it started. I got into cricket at a very young age, and I have always been involved with the game ever since. I have got cricket in my veins. So I thought this was the right way forward at this stage of my career.
Even though I had resigned as convenor of South Africa's selection committee, I had been involved with cricket within South Africa as a selector for Cape Cobras, the franchise from Western Cape. So I was never far from the game. Then, sometime in December last year, the ICC's head-hunting firm contacted me and coaxed me into thinking about it seriously. Then, a lot of people including friends and family too started persuading me to join the process. And that's how it started. I got into cricket at a very young age, and I have always been involved with the game ever since. I have got cricket in my veins. So I thought this was the right way forward at this stage of my career.
Ajay Shankar is deputy editor of Cricinfo in Bangalore