Cricket Scotland chief Roddy Smith to leave for 'new challenge'

Roddy Smith has been in charge during a time when Cricket Scotland has expanded.

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith has announced that he will leave the role at the end of December.

He is approaching the end of his 10th year in charge and thinks it is the right time to seek a fresh challenge.

Cricket Scotland chairman Keith Oliver said: "There is no doubt that the governing body of cricket in Scotland is unrecognisable from where we were in 2004.

"And the credit for this must go to Roddy and his staff."

During Smith's time as chief executive, his management team have increased from eight to 25 and turnover has quadrupled.

Cricket Scotland reported a rise in participation figures for players, coaches and umpires during those 10 years.

And the national side have secured a place at next year's World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand by beating Kenya in a qualifying event.

Oliver, who has worked with Smith during that whole period, said: "Back then, we could not have imagined we would have won global qualifying events, played in world cups at youth and senior level, played One Day International games in front of thousands, run a fully professional national team as well as winning numerous development awards at a European and Global level.

"I and all at Cricket Scotland wish Roddy every success in his next role."

Cricket Scotland will start the recruitment process to find Smith's successor with the aim of having a replacement in place early in the new year.

Smith said: ''I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Cricket Scotland and it's hard to believe it has been nearly a decade.

The national side have secured a place at next year's World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand

"I am delighted that I leave an organisation in good health with a growing game and after a year of exceptional on-field performances by national teams at all levels.

"Ten years is a long time for a chief executive of a national governing body and now feels exactly the right time to move on to my next challenge.

"With a Cricket World Cup to look forward to early next year and a number of newly-appointed quality staff to work with, I am looking forward to handing over to my successor an organisation that is very well placed to succeed in the future."

Cricket Scotland announced in June that it plans a new "world class" base in Stirling, relocating from Edinburgh, with a new pavilion at the home of Stirling County Cricket Club designed to host international matches.