Tony Irish in running for PCA chief executive role

Tony Irish has emerged as a leading candidate for the role of chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), the players' union in England and Wales. Irish currently holds a similar role with the South African Cricketers' Association and is executive chairman of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA).

He is understood to be one of two candidates for the PCA job who have been invited for a second interview over the next few days. The other candidate is believed to be James McLaughlin who was previously commercial director at Warwickshire and is currently CEO of Cure Leukaemia. An appointment is anticipated in early September.

There would be a certain poignancy in Irish's appointment. He has for years warned of the dangers of the talent drain of South African players moving to England or Australia, but could now be set to tread a similar path. It is unclear if he would be required to step down from his role with FICA in order to accept the PCA position.

With a background as a lawyer, Irish has presided over a volatile period in South Africa cricket. He was involved in the decision to issue legal proceedings against CSA as a result of a domestic restructure and was subsequently barred from some meetings between the parties. With some at the PCA seeking a slightly more robust foil to the ECB, however, Irish's record in fighting for his members' welfare may serve him well. He has been linked to the PCA role on previous occasions when it has become vacant.

Others invited to apply for the role included former Australian batsman Ed Cowan and former Nottinghamshire spinner Paul McMahon, who is now a lawyer with the ICC. It is believed neither pursued the opportunity.

David Leatherdale, the current PCA CEO, indicated his desire to step down earlier this year. His next move remains unclear, though he has suggested he is interested in writing an autobiography.