Paul Downton Leaves ECB Post

08 Apr 2015 | sigadmin

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is to create the new role of director of England cricket as the team builds towards an Ashes series, with Paul Downton leaving his post as managing director of the sport’s national governing body.

The 58 year-old was instrumental in the sacking of former England captain Kevin Pietersen last year and also axed Alastair Cook as one-day captain ahead of the team’s disappointing Cricket World Cup campaign.

Head coach Peter Moores, who was appointed to the role for a second time by Downton, and national selector James Whitaker remain in place.

In a statement, chief executive Tom Harrison said the ECB needed to be “accountable for reaching the standards we aspire to”, but does not impact on the position of Moores or Cook.

Downton took over from his predecessor Hugh Morris in February 2014.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has since admitted he is “more than open” to a role with English cricket’s governing body following the departure of the former wicket keeper.

Vaughan commented: “For the first time since retiring six years ago I am open to a conversation with the ECB. I always want England to move forward and be successful. I have a vision for the game and I think I will be one of many ex-players who will be more than willing to talk to the ECB to see what exactly the role is and how much influence it will wield over the future structure of our game.”