Ed Smith, the former England batter and ex-national selector, is set to take up a new boardroom role with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). He will join the ECB Board as a Non-Executive Director from October 1, 2026, bringing a mix of playing experience and cricket governance knowledge to the position.
Quick facts
- Ed Smith will become a Non-Executive Director on the ECB Board from October 1, 2026.
- He was England Men’s National Selector from 2018 to 2021, including the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup-winning cycle.
- The appointment will be confirmed at the ECB Annual General Meeting in May.
- He is expected to begin the role after finishing his current stint as Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) President.
- Zahida Manzoor’s three-year term on the ECB Board has concluded ahead of this change.
Smith’s move comes after the end of Zahida Manzoor’s three-year tenure on the ECB Board. The transition will be formally ratified at the ECB’s Annual General Meeting in May, following the completion of Smith’s current responsibilities as MCC President.
In the Non-Executive Director capacity, the ECB says Smith “will provide scrutiny and challenge, looking at the long-term strategy and governance of the whole game, including performance cricket.” The remit places emphasis on how the sport is run across different formats and performance pathways, with long-range planning at the centre of the role.
ECB Chair Richard Thompson expressed his approval of the appointment, highlighting Smith’s blend of domestic and international experience. Thompson said he is “very pleased” to welcome Smith to the board, adding that Smith’s cricket knowledge, strategic approach, and independent perspective are expected to strengthen board discussions.
Thompson also paid tribute to Baroness Manzoor, thanking her for the “significant contribution” she made during her time on the ECB Board. He referenced her commitment and the care she showed throughout her three years in the role.
Smith welcomed the opportunity, noting that his prior involvement with the England Men’s setup gives him a familiar pathway into the organisation. He said he is delighted to be joining the ECB Board again in a Non-Executive Director role, calling the period for both England Men’s and Women’s teams “extremely important,” and expressed his look forward to working with Thompson and the rest of the board.
