Tony Irish steps down as PCA chief for "personal reasons"

Rob Lynch has been installed as interim chief-executive of the players' body, which is search for its third permanent CEO in less than eight months

• PCA back ECB plan to postpone season

The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) is looking for its third chief-executive in less than eight months after Tony Irish resigned from the role with immediate effect due to personal reasons.

Irish, who is also executive chairman of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations, succeeded David Leatherdale in January after 17 years in the equivalent position in South Africa.

He took time off to return to the country but resumed his responsibilities in June, working three-four days a week. But the announcement draws a formal end to his tenure.

"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," he said. "I have made a decision based on what’s best for us as a family."

Commercial director Rob Lynch, who only joined the PCA in February from Middlesex where he was chief operating officer, has been installed as interim CEO.

Unpaid chairman Daryl Mitchell has taken on a portion of the responsibility at the PCA in Irish's absence in recent months, which has included steering the body through the fall-out caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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."

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