ICC's Chief Executives Committee member keen to make difference to Associate nations

Gurumurthy Palani, one of the newly-elected members to the ICC's Chief Executives Committee, voiced his keenness on wanting to contribute positively to the growth of associate nations. Palani, representing France, was a new addition to the CEC alongside Anuraag Bhatnagar (Cricket Hong Kong, China) and Gurdeep Klair (Cricket Canada).

"I want to make a difference to the associate countries," stated Palani, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

He expressed his desire to have the associate nations involved in the decision-making of the ICC instead of merely getting to know about the calls taken by the cricketing body after they are finalised.

"The fundamental problem with the ICC used to be its top-down approach to decision-making. Members would often be informed only after a decision was made. But things are changing now. We're working to ensure that members are made aware of key issues before decisions are taken. Whether they approve or not is secondary - the point is, they'll know what's coming," he added.

The 52-year-old praised the work Chairperson of the ICC's Board of Directors Jay Shah had been doing in relation to future of associate nations. 

"The ICC needs to have clearly defined short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals - and I believe it is now moving in the right direction. Jay Shah is bringing a corporate mindset into the ICC and has infused young, dynamic leadership by appointing people like Sanjog Gupta as CEO. I am truly excited to work under the visionary leadership of our esteemed Jay bhai, whose unwavering commitment to the growth of associate cricket is inspiring," commented Palani.

He also alluded to leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enhance cricket's development via digital avenues.

"There's fresh and forward-thinking energy at the ICC headquarters in Dubai. I genuinely feel this is a golden era for cricket, especially for associate nations. Strong fan engagement is key. We must explore how AI can aid the sport's development, particularly through social media and digital outreach," Palani said.

Palani was one of the co-founders of the European Cricket Association. He is currently the vice-president of the body. The ECE's first-ever meeting was chaired by him in 2024.