Desmond Haynes Appointed to ICC Men’s Cricket Committee

Desmond Haynes Appointed to ICC Men’s Cricket Committee

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of West Indies cricket legend, Dr. The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, to the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. This appointment continues the West Indies’ strong representation on this influential body, following the completion of former West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper’s tenure. Haynes’ selection underscores the Caribbean’s enduring impact on cricket governance at the highest international levels. His recent experience as Lead Selector for the West Indies Men’s teams from January 2022 to June 2024 equips him with a wealth of contemporary cricket knowledge and administrative expertise, making him a valuable addition to the committee.

The ICC Men’s Cricket Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cricket by formulating recommendations on playing conditions and rules that impact the game at all levels. Haynes’ presence on the committee ensures that the West Indies maintains a strong voice in these critical discussions, contributing to the development and evolution of the sport. His appointment reflects CWI’s commitment to ensuring the region’s continued influence on the global cricket landscape.

CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, expressed his enthusiasm for Haynes’ appointment, highlighting his legendary status as one of the West Indies’ greatest opening batsmen, his astute cricketing mind, and his deep understanding of the modern game. Shallow emphasized Haynes’ proven administrative track record and his unique insights into both the technical and governance aspects of cricket, gained through his role as Lead Selector. These qualities make Haynes an ideal representative for the West Indies on the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee.

Shallow also acknowledged the significant contributions of Roger Harper during his three-year term on the committee, praising his role in shaping important decisions within the global game and his exemplary representation of West Indies cricket at the ICC level. Harper’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in advancing the sport and upholding the West Indies’ standing within the international cricket community.

The ICC Men’s Cricket Committee operates as a subcommittee of the Chief Executives’ Committee, focusing specifically on matters related to international cricket. The committee’s responsibilities encompass advising on a broad range of aspects, including the laws of cricket, playing conditions, umpiring standards, the integration of technology into the game, and the management of illegal bowling actions. This wide-ranging purview makes the committee a crucial component of the ICC’s governance structure, ensuring the integrity and development of the sport.

The committee boasts a diverse membership, chaired by a former international cricketer with extensive experience, either having played at least 30 Test matches or held a national captaincy. The remaining 12 members represent a cross-section of the cricket world, including former and current international players, umpires, referees, team coaches, board members from various cricketing nations, representatives from associate nations, and members of the media. This diverse composition ensures a balanced and comprehensive approach to the issues facing the game. Members serve three-year terms and are eligible for re-election for up to three consecutive terms, providing continuity and allowing for the development of deep expertise within the committee.

Desmond Haynes’ cricketing credentials are impeccable. A West Indies legend, he played 116 Test matches, captaining the team in four of those games. He also represented the West Indies in 238 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) between 1978 and 1994. His impressive career statistics include 7,487 runs in Tests, with 18 centuries, and 8,648 runs in ODIs, including 17 centuries.

Haynes formed one of the most formidable opening partnerships in cricket history alongside fellow Barbadian Sir Gordon Greenidge. Together, they were an integral part of the dominant West Indies team that won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1979. Haynes’ contributions to the game were further recognized with his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in June 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His appointment to the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee is a fitting testament to his enduring impact on the sport and his continued dedication to its future.