Cricket: International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat has confirmed he will stand down when his term of office expires in June 2012. The South African took on the role in 2008 and subsequently agreed a 12-month extension to his deal last year.
Lorgat will make way after deciding against renewing his contract. An executive recruitment agency will advertise for and identify a successor.
"My sense is to step aside after having delivered a successful ICC Cricket World Cup and the new global ICC strategy which is now in place," said Lorgat. "In 2010, I felt there was much work for me to complete during 2011 which included protecting the integrity of the game and restoring the reputation and image of the ICC. Having dealt decisively with the spot-fixing issues, delivered a highly successful ICC Cricket World Cup and adopted a new global strategy, I feel the time is right to move on.
"I am hopeful that the independent governance review currently in progress and due to be published after the next board meeting would find acceptable outcomes and thereby leave a legacy for future generations.
"Although disappointed that the Test World Championship will not be played in 2013, I am confident that with the strategic restructures we have undertaken, all three formats can be sustained at international level.
"Overall I feel personally satisfied with having successfully led the ICC through some difficult issues. I am especially grateful to have worked with our exceptional broadcast and commercial partners and the fantastic people who work at the ICC.
"I wish to thank each and every one of my staff for supporting me so loyally and ably. Their contributions are enormous in the face of many difficult challenges."
The recruitment process will be overseen by ICC vice-president, Alan Isaac and will begin soon.
Isaac said: "I have been asked by the ICC Nominations Committee to manage the process. From a personal point of view I am extremely disappointed that I will not be able to work with Haroon during my term as ICC president.
"He has been exemplary in the way he has led the organisation and deserves credit for his ethical leadership of the ICC."