Former South African test wicket keeper, David Richardson, has been appointed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to become its first cricket general manager.

The ICC, the governing body for international test match and one day international cricket, chose Richardson ahead of ten other applicants. He will have overall responsibility for the ICC's Cricket Operations Department, a role that includes co-ordinating the ICC Code of Conduct, playing conditions and the ICC Future Tours Programme. Another vital role will be the implementation and management of the ICC's panel of international referees and umpires, due to come into force this April.

'The management of cricket affairs is a demanding area of responsibility and a crucial one as we seek to build new levels of confidence, respect and trust in the world governing body,' said ICC chief executive, Malcolm Speed