ECB slashes 'workforce budget' after financial crunch due to COVID-19

ECB CEO Tom Harrison said that after going through its structures and budgets to reduce 'central costs’, he has suggested a 20 per cent reduction in the board’s workforce budget, which will equate to the removal of 62 positions within the organisation.

The CEO noted that due to the pandemic, the game of cricket has lost more than GBP 100 million and the financial impact could be in tune of GBP 200 million, if the pandemic continues to disrupt the game next year.

He also commended all the stakeholders for the resumption of the game during the summer, amidst the constantly evolving pandemic.

'Getting cricket back on this summer - at a recreational, domestic and international level, for both men and women - has been a remarkable achievement by everyone across the game,' he said.

Harrison also mentioned that if the board aims to deliver best quality cricket at the international level in these rare times, then it must learn to work with a lessened workforce.

'Given this new reality, if we are to safeguard cricket's long-term future and still deliver on the growth ambitions of our Inspiring Generations strategy, it is clear the ECB will need to become a leaner and more agile organisation,' Harrison said.

He also explained how the 20 per cent reduction in the workforce will impact the board, adding that the board was also thinking on cost-cutting, by making the employees more flexible and open to new roles.

'These proposals include a 20 per cent reduction in our workforce budget, which will equate to the removal of 62 roles from our structure. Additionally, we are also proposing further cost savings by changing a number of current posts into flexible working roles. ECB staff have been informed and a collective consultation will begin imminently,' he concluded.