Dutch clubs demand general meeting

The fast-developing situation in Dutch cricket took another turn on Wednesday morning when it emerged that Board member Mudi Allah Rakha, who had been reported on Monday to be stepping in as Interm CEO, had decided not to take up the position.

His change of mind followed a widely-attended meeting by video link between representatives of the KNCB’s member clubs and the Board on Monday evening, which reportedly left the latter in no doubt about the degree of discontent occasioned by the Board’s decision to terminate the contract of CEO Milena van Not.

Mr Rakha said on Wednesday: ‘I was initially delighted to have the opportunity to help out at a difficult moment for the KNCB, but after reflecting on what was said by the clubs I concluded that it would be better for myself and for Dutch cricket if I did not take up the position.’

Mr Rakha joined the Board in April as Diversity Commissioner, and is expected to become treasurer when Amit Parulekar’s term comes to an end in December.

The discussion at Monday evening’s meeting appears to have confirmed that the decision to terminate the contract was not unanimous.

HBS chairman Ewout Boendermaker said afterwards that he was hopeful that it would be possible to resolve the matter once it was clear to the Board that the opposition to the sacking of Ms. van Not was so widespread and so determined.

In a further development on Tuesday, ten Dutch clubs have written to KNCB chair Jurgen Delfos calling upon him to convene a special meeting to consider the present crisis in the governing body’s affairs.

Signed by Boendermaker and sent on Tuesday evening, the call states:

Further to our meeting last night I hereby invoke article 15.4 of the KNCB constitution and request the convening of a general meeting.

In addition to HBS, this request is supported by in any event Ajax, Bijlmer CC, Bloemendaal, Flamingo’s, Gelre, HCC, Hermes, HC&CV Quick and Rood en Wit.

On the basis of the Board’s answers to our questions we have come to the conclusion that the relationships within the Board are so muddied [vertroebeld] that the interest of Dutch cricket cannot be served. We further advise that as quickly as possible an independent investigation be carried out into the relationships within the Board. The outcome of this investigation could then function as a starting point at the general meeting.

Under article 15.4 the Board is now required to hold a special general meeting within four weeks. Should no action be taken within fourteen days the clubs are empowered to call the meeting themselves.

The requisition makes no mention of the immediate cause of the crisis, the termination of the contract of CEO Milena van Not, focusing instead upon the underlying problem which that decision has exposed: the evident divisions within the Board.

The clubs’ initiative is unprecedented in the recent history of the KNCB.

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