Gary Hopkins, an English ex-pat businessman who has been living and working in the United States for 14 years, has been appointed chief executive of an ICC development project, designed to promote cricket in the USA.

The appointment follows the ICC's commitment to developing cricket around the world, and is the first step in a strategic project to increase the profile and participation levels of cricket in the USA. The initiative was given the support of the ICC's executive board in October last year.

"The ICC is delighted that, after a vigorous world-wide selection process, Gary has accepted this unique role," said Malcolm Speed, the ICC's chief executive. "This is an exciting and challenging time for cricket in the United States and he brings to the position a wealth of relevant experience and expertise."

A passionate cricket follower, Mr Hopkins has extensive experience in the US sports industry, and has held senior executive positions with Octagon, API Sponsorship and the International Academy. He spent eight years assisting the United States Soccer Federation with their commercial development, as well as five years rebuilding the sponsorship, event and broadcast programs for USA Track and Field.

"I am excited to be able to help cricket expand its presence in the United States," he said, "and look forward to introducing the excitement of one-day international games to fans across the country." His appointment was made in conjunction with the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA), whose president, Gladstone Dainty, welcomed the appointment. "USA Cricket eagerly looks forward to the possibility of one-day international cricket on our soil," he said. "We look forward to working with Gary to achieve just that."

The President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Mr Teddy Griffith, said the West Indies was fully behind the appointment and development of cricket in the USA. "As a Full Member of the ICC and the Americas Development Region, the West Indies Cricket Board is fully committed to supporting this special project for cricket in the United States. The WICB looks forward to doing all it can to bring the desired events to fruition."

Mr Hopkins, who will be based in Pennsylvania, took up his position from Monday, August 16, 2004..

reprinted from USA Cricket

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