Roddy Smith stays with Scotland

Scotland's search for a new chief executive had no sooner begun than it was over, with the vacancy filled by Roddy Smith, the man whose resignation started the process.

Smith, who quit last month to take up a new job with the ICC, decided, for personal and family reasons, to turn down the offer of employment as the Development Programs Manager which would have involved relocation to the Middle East.

"It was very flattering to be offered the chance to work for the world governing body," Smith said. "On reflection in the last couple of weeks my family and I have, however, decided to remain in Scotland, where I feel there is considerable unfinished business which I would like to influence.

"We are at an amazingly exciting period for the game in Scotland and I want the chance to continue the progress we are making at all levels. The World Cup is less than nine months away, our club and junior games are developing and our off field activities are growing. Above all, we need to focus on what happens over the next four years, in performance, development and financial terms. "The Board of Cricket Scotland has been supportive of my decision and I am committed to ensuring the continued development of our game and governing body."

Keith Oliver, the chairman of Cricket Scotland, commented: "It was a real blow to think we were losing Roddy and we fully understood his attraction to the post with the ICC. To welcome him back as our senior professional staff member is a real bonus for us at an important time in our development."