Ian Watmore cleared to become chairman, confirms ECB

London, May 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) The England and Wales Cricket Board on Friday confirmed that Ian Watmore will take up the role of ECB Chairman after a review into his conduct in a previous appointment found "no wrongdoing".

The 61-year-old, who had resigned as an independent non-executive director at the English Football League (EFL) in November 2018, citing poor health, was named as Colin Graves' successor in February by the ECB.

However, ECB was forced to review its decision after it was reported in the English media that the EFL had began an independent inquiry a week before his departure into a claim that Watmore was involved in talks which led to EFL clubs threatening to launch a breakaway league, jeopardising a broadcast deal with Sky Sports.

"During an extensive process, that included a confidential review of the report referenced in media, the sub-committee has universally agreed that there was no evidence to support any allegation of wrongdoing on Ian Watmore's part.

"In addition, it was concluded that the appointment process had been undertaken in a thorough and professional manner and the board now regards the matter closed," ECB said in a statement.

Watmore's appointment as chair elect will now be put to the membership for ratification at the AGM which is supposed to be held at the end of May.

Meanwhile, the ECB also confirmed that current chair Colin Graves has made the decision to end his term on August 31.

"With the launch of The Hundred unavoidably moved to 2021, I have reviewed last year's extension of my term as chair, and put a request to the Board to now finish early, on August 31," Graves said.

Source: IANS