New Cricket ACT chief executive James Allsopp says he wants to elevate the organisation's role in the Australian system when he takes the reins for a jam-packed schedule in the capital.
Former ACT Meteors coach and high-performance manager Allsopp was unveiled as Cricket ACT's new leader on Wednesday, stepping into the role to replace the departed Cam French.
The boss: New Cricket ACT chief executive James Allsopp.
He has the task of overseeing the biggest summer of cricket in Canberra's history, with Manuka Oval to host its first Test in February as well as up to two Big Bash games, a women's international, the Prime Minister's XI and a Sheffield Shield match.
But one of his first tasks will be finding a replacement Meteors coach as he prepares to start the Women's National Cricket League season in a dual role of team mentor and chief executive.
"I am honoured and delighted to assume the role of [chief executive] for Cricket ACT on the eve of what will certainly be Canberra’s biggest summer of cricket," Allsopp said.
"… I am excited and confident about leading the elevation of [Cricket ACT's] role within the Australian cricket system by establishing a clear strategy and direction with local stakeholders.
"Uniting our community of cricket and enhancing the experiences of all involved in the game will certainly be a priority as we endeavour to capitalise on the region’s huge summer of cricket."
Cricket ACT is still waiting for the Sydney Thunder to make a decision on whether they will play a second Big Bash game in Canberra the week after Australia plays Sri Lanka in a Test match at Manuka.
The Prime Minister's XI will play against South Africa on October 31. It will be the first time South Africa have played in Australia since the sandpaper controversy earlier this year, which led to Australian skipper Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being hit with significant bans.
"Given recent events in Australian cricket there has never been a more critical time for leaders in the game to unite and inspire the Australian public once again and I see my role as pivotal in doing so within the ACT and wider community," Allsopp said.
Cricket ACT had more than 40 applicants for the position, but chairman John Miller said the right man for the job was under their noses.
"We've been very thorough, James wants to make sure things are right and he impressed the interview panel," Miller said.
"It was a very thorough examination to get to this result and it just so happened that James was here.
"This is as big as it gets for us [this year]. We've got the girls starting in early October, the Prime Minister's XI … there's a big program here this year. It's a big time, but we've got a person who can work very strongly with our local stakeholders as well. We're going to get cricket right here."
SUMMER OF CRICKET IN CANBERRA
October 5: Australia v New Zealand women's international
October 6: Cricket ACT season starts
October 31: Prime Minister's XI v South Africa
November 16-19: NSW v Queensland Sheffield Shield
December 21: Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash
February 1-5: Australia v Sri Lanka Test match
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