cricexec’s feature this week – “Meet the ICC CEC Candidates” — spotlights the eight Associate Member chiefs contesting for three seats on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC).
Sankar Renganathan is currently a Representative, Brand Ambassador & Advisor to Board of Directors of Cricket Sierra Leone
What is one of the most pressing issues facing the cricket world today and what should be done to address it?
The great divide between cricket’s present and the future
One of the most pressing issues facing the cricket world today is the widening gap in resources and opportunities between established and emerging cricket nations. This divide threatens the growth of the game and the dreams of millions who see cricket as a path to unity, pride, and progress.
While much focus is rightly placed on cricketing infrastructure, investment, and knowledge sharing, true transformation requires deeper local penetration. Cricket must be woven into the grassroots of every nation’s culture—only then can its growth become exponential. The Olympic pathway, if carefully harnessed, is a powerful tool for this: when citizens play and grassroots communities embrace cricket as an Olympic sport, doors open for genuine localization and sustainable expansion. Expats may drive business and competition, but it is citizen participation that fuels global growth. Europe, for instance, remains the most underutilized continent in this regard.
History shows that local engagement is the key metric for lasting success—just look at the journey from Associate to Full Member for Sri Lanka (1981), Zimbabwe (1992), Bangladesh (2000), Ireland and Afghanistan (2017). Performance metrics must evolve to count citizen participation and Olympic funding, not just matches played.
As detailed at my campaign site, the solution lies in bridging the divide with a bold, collective commitment to inclusivity and equitable development—embodied in my “Now-Near-Far-Northstar” Vision for Cricket Development.
Bio:
A Physicist turned Computer / technology / cloud Wizard / finearts-sports enthusiast – CXO / Tech Leader / Scientist / international yoga trainer, also an Alumni of Bharathidasan University , Executive Business Schools ROSS(2025), Emeritus(2019) – MIT , Tuck, Columbia and appointed to the 2023 Advisory Board for the Customer Experience Certificate Program ( Center for Continuing Executive Education.) at the Andrews University, Michigan, USA ( Established 1874 )
A multiple Postgraduate / Advanced / diploma holder in Leadership, computer science technology & associated specialties, with a 35+ years of information technology currently working in Michigan, USA as a Technology Services Management Specialist & Global Enterprise Technology Database Services Strategist for an Automotive-Transportation-Mobility OEM Ford Motor Company
A Masters in Science ( Physics – Electronics ~ 1993 ) from the Bharathidasan University – century celebrated National college-Trichy ( 2023 Outstanding-Illustrious Alumni ), research & development in Superconductivity from National Institute of Technology ( then Regional Engineering College) – Trichy, Indian Institute of Technology – Chennai 1993
The world’s first Cricket Hall of Fame 2022 inductee and Nominated Candidate for the International Cricket Council Board of Directors (2024) who • represents (Brand Ambassador, Advisor to the Board of Directors) Cricket Sierra Leone, West Africa National Governing Body (Sierra Leone NGB) for Cricket in the International Cricket Council (2022 – till date) • represented United States of America National Governing Body (United States NGB) for Cricket in the International Cricket Council (2015-17) served the Game of Cricket promoting the game of cricket Nationally / Internationally as a Member, Umpire, Coordinator, Manager, Scout, Coach, Chairman of Committees, Administrator at all levels , all through 35+ years globally across multiple continents, a community service awardee (2016) of Michigan Parks and Recreation first ever for Sports, the game of Cricket, a specialist in Biomechanics level 2 Cricket Coach trained from the National Governing Body for Cricket in Australia (NGB Cricket Australia), a Literary / Theatre events exponent who led the college teams as the fine arts coordinator with laurels, a registered yoga trainer/teacher [RYT® 200] with International Yoga Alliance 2021.
Migrated from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nādu, South India to Michigan USA in Jan 2000, live West Bloomfield, Michigan, USA, with the better half, a home maker, IT Wizard & currently serving physically / mentally challenged Students in the native school district of West Bloomfield and a 18 year old future (2029) UMich graduate daughter.
My mission is to:
Champion a comprehensive bill of rights for Associate Members, ensuring and promoting equality, safeguarding their interests
Accountable transparent, inclusive and need of the hour governance structure
Regionalize, Revitalize game formats for increased excitement and engagement
Empower the associates for extended global reach and attract new audiences
Sustainable growth and equitable future for all stakeholders by fostering revenue streams
Candidate Position Statement:
Beyond Participation: From Growth to Governance, for Associate Leadership at the ICC CEC 2025 – Sankar Renganathan
As we reflect on 60 years of Associate Membership and the 115-year evolution of the International Cricket Council, it is clear that our sport has also evolved significantly. However, this evolution is not yet fully reflected in the composition of our membership—only five Associate Members (Asia region – 3, Africa region – 1, Europe Region – 1) have attained Full Membership status till date. This underlines the importance of stronger, more timely representation for the Associate community within our global governance structures.
With that in mind, I am pleased to announce that I have accepted the nomination for the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) elections, scheduled to take place on July 17th, 2025, in Singapore. I will be deeply committed to serving as our voice for Associate Members — championing our collective interests, sharing your realities, and working toward a more inclusive and prosperous future for global cricket.
Over the coming weeks, I look forward to engaging with many of you directly—to share insights from my journey, discuss the challenges we face, and outline the vision I believe we can pursue together.
With experience across three regional backgrounds and involvement in all ICC regions, I have had the privilege of contributing to cricket’s growth in diverse contexts. My tenure as representative, brand ambassador, and advisor to the Board of Directors of Cricket Sierra Leone has offered invaluable perspective.
When I joined Cricket Sierra Leone, the team had emerged as leaders in the post-civil war era, promoting the game and competing with top cricketing nations in Africa and beyond. At that time in 2022, they were ranked 56th in the global scorecard system. Through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to doing things the right way, we’ve made significant strides together. Today, Cricket Sierra Leone proudly holds a 17th position in the global scorecard system for associates —a testament to what committed leadership and collaborative effort can achieve.
My short- to mid-term vision will focus on three core areas:
• Empowering Associate Members
• Transforming and reforming the Future of Cricket
• Enriching the Global Cricket Ecosystem
These are not just slogans, they are strategic directions rooted in lived experience and actionable insight.
I look forward to discussing how this vision aligns with your own priorities and the challenges you face. I trust I can count on your openness to a meaningful exchange and your willingness to offer the time and space for a conversation that I believe is vital to the future of Associate Members and the game we all serve.
