The Professional Cricketers’ Association has announced Tony Irish has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive with immediate effect.
Irish joined the PCA in January after 17 years with the South African Cricketers’ Association and is currently the Executive Chairman of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations, a post he has held since 2014. He informed the PCA Board of his decision to return to South Africa for personal reasons in recent days.
PCA Commercial Director Rob Lynch has been appointed Interim CEO. Lynch joined the PCA in February from Middlesex where he held the position of Chief Operating Officer, and has assumed responsibility of Interim Chief Executive from today, Monday 13 July.
"Tony has had a big influence on the management team, especially in these very testing times."
DARYL MITCHELL
PCA Chairman, Daryl Mitchell, said:
“I wish Tony and his daughters the very best on their return to South Africa. Tony has had a big influence on the management team, especially in these very testing times.
“Having worked in our Oval office during the winter and an increased day-to-day involvement over the past few months, I have full faith in our excellent and dedicated team, led by Rob Lynch to continue championing the ongoing interests of professional cricketers in England and Wales.”
PCA Non-Executive Chairman, Julian Metherell, said:
“It is a great disappointment Tony has had to leave the PCA and I want to thank him for all of his hard work during incredibly challenging times.
“Tony led the PCA expertly through the initial stages of the Coronavirus crisis which has caused many unforeseen challenges. I am pleased he can now fully prioritise his family, he departs with our understanding and we all wish him well for the future.”
Outgoing PCA Chief Executive, Tony Irish, said:
“It’s an honour to have served as Chief Executive of the PCA but it’s also been a very challenging time for me and my daughters in England. I have made a decision based on what’s best for us as a family.”
