DUBLIN, February 29, 2024 – A meaningful shift is underway in irish cricket as Richard Holdsworth has announced his departure as director of cricket with Cricket Ireland, marking the end of a 13-year tenure that fundamentally reshaped the sport’s infrastructure within the nation.
A Legacy of Growth and Professionalization
Holdsworth’s leadership was instrumental in Ireland’s rise on the international stage.
- Holdsworth arrived at Cricket Ireland in 2011, initially serving as high performance director.
- He oversaw the implementation of central player contracts for both men’s and women’s programs.
- His work was pivotal in Ireland achieving full membership with the International cricket Council in 2017.
- Holdsworth supported the revitalization of domestic cricket through inter-provincial and super series competitions.
Holdsworth first joined Cricket Ireland in 2011, dedicating 13 years to the role of high performance director before transitioning to director of cricket two years ago. His impact has been profound, building and professionalizing Ireland’s elite cricket systems from the ground up. A key achievement was the progress and implementation of central player contracts, providing crucial support and stability for athletes across both the men’s and women’s programs.
What was the importance of Ireland gaining full ICC membership? Ireland’s journey from associate member to full member of the international Cricket Council in 2017, simultaneously achieving Test status for its men’s team, stands as a testament to Holdsworth’s strategic vision and dedication. He also played a vital role in breathing new life into domestic competitions, supporting the reintroduction of the men’s inter-provincial series and the women’s super series.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together working with a team of outstanding staff,” Holdsworth stated. “From our collective efforts to professionalise structures and support players at the highest level, to seeing ireland compete with distinction on the global stage – it has been a privilege to be part of this journey.”
Holdsworth’s departure coincides with the impending arrival of a new chief executive officer,Sarah Keane,signaling a broader transition to the next phase of the organization’s strategic growth and ambition. He expressed his sincere wishes for Keane and the entire team, anticipating continued success in the future. The timing suggests a purposeful effort to usher in a new era for Irish cricket, building upon the solid foundation he helped establish.
Why did Richard Holdsworth leave Cricket Ireland? Holdsworth’s exit is linked to the arrival of Sarah Keane as the new CEO, marking a planned transition for the organization. He served for 13 years,overseeing significant growth and professionalization of Irish cricket. Who was Richard holdsworth? He was the director of cricket for Cricket Ireland, previously holding the role of high performance director.What did he achieve? Holdsworth led Ireland to full ICC membership, implemented central contracts, and revitalized domestic competitions. How did his tenure end? Holdsworth departed to facilitate a new strategic direction under incoming CEO Sarah Keane, expressing confidence in the team’s future success.
