ICC chief executive David Richardson will step down when his contract expires at the end of the 2019 World Cup, he announced on Tuesday (July 3). He was appointed to the role in 2012, ten years after becoming the first ICC general manager.

The former South Africa cricketer said: “The hardest thing as a cricketer is knowing when the time is right to retire. But for me, the end of the ICC Cricket World Cup next year is about right. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ICC and I am particularly pleased with what we have achieved in recent times in creating greater context for all formats of the game and securing increased opportunities and clear pathways for all Members to play at the highest level.

“I will certainly do all I can over the next 12 months to ensure that we complete our work on the new global strategy for cricket aimed at growing the game both in our traditional and new markets, and, in particular put on a World Cup that does the game proud.

“I’d like to thank the ICC Chairman and the current board of directors and Member Chief Executives for their support and of course to my senior team and all of the ICC staff who are so dedicated to our great sport.”

ICC chairman Shashank Manohar has credited Richardson’s leadership for the commercial success of the sport in recent times. He also confirmed that a global recruitment process will begin in a bid to fill the void in ICC’s leadership.

“On behalf of the ICC Board, I would like to thank David for his service and commitment to cricket over the past 16 years and, particularly, over the last six years as CEO.