Irish chief executive resigns

The chief executive of the Irish Cricket Union, Peter Thompson, has resigned after three years in the role. He will return to England to take up the post of commercial manager of the League One rugby union outfit Pertemps Bees.

Thompson leaves Irish cricket in good shape having overseen the biggest commercial deal in Irish cricket, the Bank of Ireland Sponsorship of the seniors, and been in charge while Ireland qualified for the World Cup.

The board paid tribute to Thompson's efforts in a statement. "His three years in charge saw unparalleled growth and success both on and off the field and he leaves the union in a very strong position."

No decision has yet been made as to who will take over from Thompson, who leaves on March 3.