Strauss announces resignation as ECB’s strategic consultant

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a series of boardroom-level changes, including the departure of Andrew Strauss as a strategic advisor and chair of the performance cricket committee. Strauss, a former England captain, has been highly regarded within the English game for his leadership and strong connections with current players. Having served the ECB since September 2020, he played a pivotal role in the men’s High-Performance Review, which outlined recommendations for English cricket. As Strauss moves on to pursue external commitments, the ECB faces a changing landscape with new appointments and the need to continue growing the game.

Andrew Strauss held the roles of strategic advisor and chair of the performance cricket committee since September 2020, bringing valuable insights and experience to the ECB. His previous tenure as the director of England men’s cricket between 2015 and 2018 further solidified his reputation within the cricketing community. Recently, Strauss oversaw the men’s High-Performance Review, which addressed the team’s shortcomings following the 2021-22 Ashes series. Although two major recommendations, reducing County Championship matches and establishing dedicated windows for domestic limited-overs cricket, did not receive the necessary support from county teams, the review remains influential.

Strauss’s decision to step away from the ECB is attributed to increasing commitments outside the organization. His departure, effective after the Annual General Meeting next month, marks the end of a successful period where he contributed to the growth and success of England’s cricket teams. The ECB expresses gratitude for his service and hopes for his return to the game in the future.

The ECB has welcomed four new non-executive directors to its board, signaling a fresh chapter in the organization’s governance. Penny Avis, Baroness Zahida Manzoor, Jennifer Owen Adams, and Gareth Williams have joined the board, bringing diverse expertise and strategic acumen to their respective roles.

Penny Avis, currently serving as the senior independent director at the PGA European Tour, and Baroness Zahida Manzoor, chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service, have been appointed as independent non-executive directors. Their experience in leadership and governance will be valuable in shaping the future of English cricket. Jennifer Owen Adams, the current chair of Cricket Wales, and Gareth Williams, chair of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, will join as cricket non-executive directors. Their deep involvement in cricket administration at the regional level ensures that the board maintains a strong connection with the grassroots of the game.

The ECB intends to confirm the appointment of two additional cricket non-executive directors in due course, further strengthening the board’s expertise. With these boardroom changes, the ECB aims to navigate the evolving landscape of English cricket and continue the growth and inclusivity of the sport. The departure of Andrew Strauss leaves a void that requires effective leadership to carry forward the recommendations outlined in the High-Performance Review.

The ECB acknowledges the significant contributions made by Strauss and expresses confidence that the recommendations from the review will benefit England’s men’s teams in their pursuit of sustained success. The board anticipates Strauss’s future involvement and the wealth of knowledge he can bring back to the game. The new non-executive directors bring a range of skills and experiences that will shape the future direction of English cricket. Their strategic insights, integrity, and passion for the sport position them well to support the growth and inclusivity of cricket in England and Wales.