London: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a total of 62 jobs cuts in a statement on Tuesday (September 15) and indicated that the institution could bear a shortage of close to 200m pounds due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has created a huge impact worldwide.
According to a report in Sky Sports, earlier the cricket board have already suffered loss around 100 millions pounds as the games played behind closed doors, and the figure is expected to double up if the same thing continues for the next season too.
A statement from our CEO, Tom Harrison:
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) September 15, 2020
A total of 20 per cent comparing 62 positions are to be removed ECB CEO Tom Harrison said on Tuesday, in a statement as part of efforts to become a ‘leaner and more agile organization’ and ‘safeguard the future of our sport.’
“Getting cricket back on this summer – at a recreational, domestic and international level, for both men and women – has been a remarkable achievement by everyone across the game,” Harrison stated in the statement.
“It has been the result of true partnership in action; across our first-class counties and recreational game, from our broadcast and commercial partners and with government and local public health agencies.”
“When the crisis first hit, the ECB put in place a range of measures to save money in the short term including furloughing staff and significant pay reductions across the organisation, in addition to a recruitment freeze,” he added.
“I am very proud of the work that has been done by my colleagues across the business and the sacrifices made at a time when we asked them to work harder than ever before, while managing their own personal experiences of COVID.”
“It is now an irrefutable fact however, that the impact of this pandemic is significant and will be long-lasting. There is also deep uncertainty about the future, and it is vital we take more steps now to ensure the future financial sustainability of cricket in England and Wales,” Harrison stated.
“The entire cricket network has pulled together to get us through this challenge so far and overcoming it will mean continuing to work in partnership and continuing to make tough decisions as we have done this year. We must reduce the cost base across the game – and that requires the ECB to lead the way by reducing its own cost base.”
“Given this new reality, if we are to safeguard cricket’s long-term future and still deliver on the growth ambitions of our Inspiring Generations strategy, it is clear the ECB will need to become a leaner and more agile organisation.”
“It is now an irrefutable fact that the impact of this pandemic is significant and will be long-lasting. There is also deep uncertainty about the future, and it is vital we take more steps now to ensure the future financial sustainability of cricket in England and Wales,” he added.
“We have now shared with colleagues our board-approved proposals, which will generate significant savings. Every part of the ECB is affected by these changes, and these savings will only be possible by reducing our headcount.”
“These proposals include a 20 per cent reduction in our workforce budget, which will equate to the removal of 62 roles from our structure – a number which is largely made up of existing headcount and a small number of vacant positions,” he stated.
“Additionally, we are also proposing further cost savings by changing a number of current posts into flexible working roles. ECB staff have been informed and a collective consultation will begin imminently.”
