Dubai: David Morgan, the ICC-president elect, candidly admitted that the International Cricket Council's (ICC) image was not good.
Speaking from Lord's in the wake of Malcolm's Speed's speedy ouster, Morgan said: "The ICC has achieved a huge amount in Speed's period. I do not believe at all times that we govern in the optimum way, but govern we certainly do."
Elaborating on the decision to ask Speed to go on paid leave till the end of his contract, Morgan said: "There has been a fundamental breakdown in the relationship between him and Ray Mali, the president, and some of the executive board members."
When asked to name the members with whom Speed had differences, Morgan said: "I am not willing to reveal the names of the other board members. I am also not willing to go into the details of the issues."
However, Morgan clarified that Speed's exit had nothing to do with Indian Cricket League (ICL) or Indian Premier League (IPL).
Key decision
According to sources in India, the decision to ask Speed to go on leave was taken during the opening ceremony of the IPL in Bangalore.
Speed had accepted a request from the ICL for recognition and that irked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He also told the media that the ICL issue will be referred to the ICC lawyers. The BCCI questioned the authority of Speed to accept a request from an organisation in India without the permission of the parent body.
Morgan said that the breakdown in the relationship with Speed began during the Dubai ICC Board meeting in March.
Speed refused to address the press conference in protest over ICC's decision to take no action against Zimbabwe despite the audit report on Zimbabwe's financial management being inconclusive.
According to Morgan, Speed was uncomfortable with the board's decision. "Zimbabwe is an issue where the president and Speed disagreed."
David Richardson, the ICC General Manager (cricket), will serve as interim CEO till Haroon Lorgat takes charge as the new CEO in July.
