Shashank Manohar defers resignation, will stay as ICC Chairman 'to enable smooth transition'

New Delhi: Chairman of the International Cricket Council's (ICC), Shashank Manohar, announced his decision to defer the recent resignation after the ICC Board's resolution to request him on staying put with the role was passed with overwhelming support.

As per the sources, the the Board asked him to withdraw his resignation or at the very least defer it until the ongoing process relating to governance and financial restructuring are completed.

ICC Chairman to remain in post following Board resolution https://t.co/knUk6wH6de #cricket @icc

— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) March 24, 2017

The 59-year-old Manohar had earlier mailed his resignation letter to ICC CEO Dave Richardson without clarifying the exact reason for this sudden move.

Commenting on the decision, Manohar quoted saying in the ICC release, “I respect the sentiments expressed by the Directors and the confidence they have reposed in me. In the light of this, and although my decision to depart due to personal reasons has not changed, I am willing to continue as Chairman till the responsibility as per the resolution is complete.

“I have duty to work with my colleagues to enable a smooth transition and continue our work on the governance of the ICC.”

Cricket Australia Chairman David Peever commented on the matter saying, “This resolution is a clear indication that whilst the Board may not yet agree on the detail of our reform process, we are committed to the overarching philosophies of it. We all believe that Shashank should be the man to see it through and whilst respectful of a decision made for personal reasons, we are delighted that he has agreed to remain in post until the completion of the 2017 Annual Conference where we can elect a successor.”

BCCI’s Vikram Limaye stated, “It is important that the current issues are resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. We had a productive meeting with Mr Manohar recently (prior to his resignation) wherein we outlined the concerns of BCCI on the financial model and governance issues and our suggestions for resolution. We are committed to working with ICC for a satisfactory resolution of these issues.”

Nazmul Hassan, President of BCB also expressed his take on the matter saying, “For the greater interest of cricket, we need Shashank as the Chairman of ICC especially at this critical juncture. He can be assured of our full support.”

Nazmul Hassan, President of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), said: "For the greater interest of cricket, we need Shashank as the Chairman of ICC especially at this critical juncture. He can be assured of our full support."

The 59-year-old Manohar was elected unopposed as the ICC's first independent chairman - one not affiliated to any of its member boards - in May 2016 for a two-year term, and since then had become the driving force behind the ICC's retreat from the governance structures created by the Big Three - BCCI, CA and ECB - in 2014.