Beazley takes up USACA challenge

Darren Beazley, former general manager of business development with the Western Australia Cricket Association, has been confirmed as the new chief executive of the USA Cricket Association. He will take up the post in February and will be based in Florida.

Tim Anderson, the ICC's global development manager, and a member of the sub-committee tasked with finding a suitable candidate, expressed hopes that Beazley would be able to bring a greater sense of professionalism to cricket in the United States and satisfy ICC ambitions for growth in the region.

Anderson said: "It is critical that cricket continues its growth path globally and helping ICC Associate and Affiliate Members put in place more professional management structures is an important corner stone in that progression.

"Having been appointed through a highly competitive recruitment process, Darren will now have a key role - together with the USACA Board - in developing such a structure for cricket in the USA."

USACA has not had someone working in the position full-time since Don Lockerbie was dismissed in November 2010, although Nabeel Ahmed, a former vice president, has acted as interim CEO since April.

Beazley's experience in sports administration includes periods as chief operating officer of the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships and as general manager of strategic partnerships with the Australian Rules side Fremantle Dockers.

Gladstone Dainty, president of USACA, said: "This appointment marks a key moment for the growth and development of cricket in the United States as USACA looks to take better advantage of the sport's widening global appeal for men, women and youth.

"The appointment of a competent and motivated chief executive to lead our operations was a vital component of an action plan agreed by the USACA Board during 2012, and after completing a rigorous recruitment process, I'm delighted that someone with Darren's skills and experience has agreed to join us.

"The Board can now focus on developing policy and relationships with partners who share our vision for the success of cricket in the USA."

Beazley said: "Cricket has always been a major part of my life and I am therefore thrilled to have the opportunity to assist its growth and improvement in one of the most important emerging markets in the world today.

"I look forward to leading USACA's national efforts, as well as working closely with the member leagues, clubs and partners to ensure cricket's vast potential in the US is realized.

"There is a rich, diverse and long history of cricket in the US. One of my first key projects will be to talk to a wide selection of league presidents, stakeholders and partners about that history and the future. My hope is that this will help encourage the levels of collaboration and compliance critical for the development of the game at all levels and in all forms in the US."