## Richard Holdsworth Steps Down as Director of Cricket at Cricket Ireland
Richard Holdsworth has resigned from his position as Director of Cricket with Cricket Ireland, concluding a 13-year tenure with the institution. Cricket ireland announced the departure on January 26, 2024, with Holdsworth set to leave the role in the coming weeks. This confirms the details presented in the source material. A breaking news search as of January 30,2026,06:23:24 UTC reveals no further developments beyond the initial announcement and subsequent reporting.
### Cricket Ireland Leadership Transition
The resignation of Richard Holdsworth coincides with a broader period of change within Cricket Ireland, including the upcoming arrival of a new Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Keane. Keane was appointed as CEO in December 2023, and her leadership will mark a new phase of strategic growth for the organization. Holdsworth expressed his confidence in Keane and the team’s continued success.
### Holdsworth’s Contributions to irish Cricket
Holdsworth initially joined Cricket Ireland in 2011 as High Performance Director, transitioning to the Director of Cricket role two years ago. ESPNcricinfo reports that he was instrumental in professionalizing Ireland’s cricket systems. Specifically, he oversaw the implementation of central player contracts for both the men’s and women’s programs, a meaningful step in developing elite athletes.
### Achieving Full ICC Membership
A key achievement during Holdsworth’s tenure was Ireland’s transition from Associate Member to Full Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017. The ICC formally announced Ireland’s full membership, granting the men’s team Test status.Holdsworth also supported the revitalization of domestic competitions, including the men’s inter-provincial series and the women’s Super series.
