Indra Nooyi, the Indian-born American businesswoman, made history in 2018 as the first independent woman director of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Her six-year tenure, which marked a significant step towards greater diversity and inclusion within the organization, officially concluded last month. Nooyi’s appointment was a landmark moment, reflecting the ICC’s dedication to ensuring diverse representation at its highest levels.
Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, participated in her final ICC meeting online during the Annual Conference in Colombo, where she expressed her gratitude to the ICC for the opportunity. With her departure, the ICC is now in search of a new independent female director, and there is speculation that an Australian woman may be appointed as her successor.
The ICC’s statutes mandate the inclusion of a female independent director to uphold gender equality and inclusivity within the sport. Additionally, the ICC is set to elect a new chairman, as the current chairman, Greg Barclay, has decided not to seek a third term.
The ICC statute clearly states: “The Board of Directors shall elect one individual who must be a female and who must meet the Director Eligibility Criteria to ensure that equality, diversity, and inclusivity interests in the sport of Cricket are appropriately represented from time to time, and such individual so elected shall be a Director (the ‘Independent Director’).”
A source close to the ICC Board has indicated that the criteria for selecting a new female independent director are deliberately broad. The board is looking for a woman of distinction, whether from the corporate world, sports, or another field of influence. This approach allows for a wide range of candidates. “The role could be filled by someone with significant contributions in sports, business, or any other relevant area. For instance, it could be someone like Meg Lanning, Charlotte Edwards, or a prominent figure from the business community—anyone who is eligible and has made a notable impact,” the source told News 18.
The Independent Director will serve an initial two-year term, selected from a list of at least three candidates recommended by the Nominations Committee. She will also have voting rights in the upcoming chairman election.
Nooyi was initially appointed by Shashank Manohar, a former ICC chairman and president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With her departure, the ICC Board now comprises 16 members—12 full members, three Associate Nation directors, and the chairman. The board would usually have 17 members, but the seat of the independent female director is currently vacant. In the event of a chairman election, a candidate would need nine votes to win, although a contest seems unlikely if BCCI secretary Jay Shah decides to pursue the position.