Will Take Up Post In January 2015
Leicestershire have announced Wasim Khan will become their new chief executive officer.
The beleaguered county side, who have not won an LV= County Championship match in two seasons, will hope Wasim can bring the success he has enjoyed on and off the field with him to Grace Road when he takes up his post in January.
In his various cricket administration roles, the 43-year-old has been heavily involved in working with the local community and Leicestershire will be keen for that to continue, particularly in the region’s Asian community, in order to boost interest in the club.
Wasim Khan was awarded an MBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace last December and now takes post at Grace Road.
“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as chief executive officer of Leicestershire County Cricket Club,” Wasim, who was awarded an MBE last year for his services to cricket and the community, said.
“I am really looking forward to working with all of the staff and the board because I know there are terrific people at Grace Road. It is an exciting opportunity for me.
“I remember playing at Grace Road in the past and the club has always been extremely well supported by its members and supporters. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in cricket as a player and it has been fantastic to continue working within the game I love.”
He takes over at a critical time for Leicestershire, who have seen local players, including Josh Cobb, Nathan Buck, Greg Smith and Shiv Thakor opt to ply their trade elsewhere next season.
Yet Wasim, the former Warwickshire, Sussex and Derbyshire opening batsman, has proven his credentials since retiring from first-class cricket in 2001 by running several hugely popular programmes, including the Chance to Shine scheme in his role as chief executive of The Cricket Foundation.
Leicestershire chairman Paul Haywood said: “We are delighted to welcome Wasim to Grace Road. The process of appointing our new chief executive has been a rigorous one and there were a high number of quality applicants.
“Wasim impressed the interview panel with his vision for the future, his passion for the game and his track record both in cricket and cricket administration.
“Wasim has tremendous experience and knowledge of cricket from his days as a player and an administrator and has a track record in building successful teams. Wasim is very knowledgeable and we know that he will do a tremendous job for us.”
Wasim replaces Mike Siddall, who left his post at the end of the season after four years in the position.
