David East to leave Emirates Cricket Board after six years as chief executive

Deputy chairman of the ECB Khalid Al Zarooni says East 'should be rightly proud of his achievements'

David East leaves the Emirates Cricket Board after six years of major development for cricket in the UAE. Sammy Dallal / The National
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Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive, David East, will step down from his position at the end of the year, it was announced on Thursday.

East has been with the ECB for six years, during which he has overseen major developments for cricket in the UAE, including the introduction of professional contracts for national team players and the establishment of a strategic partnership with the ICC Academy in Dubai.

East has played a key role in the delivery of major international cricket events to the UAE. The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, Indian Premier League, ICC World Cup Qualifiers and T10 Cricket League have all been staged under his watch. East has also worked closely with the Pakistan Cricket Board, with the Pakistan national team using the UAE for their home series.

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“I should like to thank our chairman, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan for giving me the opportunity to lead Emirates Cricket over the last 6 years," East said in a statement released by the ECB.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and believe that I have made a meaningful impact with the national team and the development of cricket in the country.

"The UAE has its highest ever ranking in the top 14 countries in the world for T20 and ODI cricket, and having won the ICC Global Development Award earlier this year, our rapidly growing development programme will continue to increase participation and help produce the next generation of UAE cricketers.

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Podcast: Cricket's importance in the UAE with David East

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"I will leave with many fond memories, but am now ready to embark on my next challenge.”

Deputy chairman Khalid Al Zarooni added: “We are most grateful to David for his hard work and guidance over the last 6 years.

"He should be rightly proud of his achievements with the Emirates Cricket Board and we wish him every success in the future.”