ECB chairman resigns amid increasing pressure over Pakistan tour snub

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Ian Watmore has left his role with immediate effect after serving 10 months of a 5-year term.

Reports confirm that Ian's departure was confirmed as 'mutual consent between him and the ECB board of directors. It is worth mentioning that Watmore was under immense pressure following his decision to cancel the tour of Pakistan.

Watmore was at the center of a 'shambles of a meeting' with County Championship chiefs at the end of September, The Times reported.

Speaking to Daily Mail last month, Ian Watmore made a public apology to Pakistan for cancelling the tour.

"I'm very sorry to anyone who feels hurt or let down by our decision, particularly in Pakistan," he said.

"The decision the board made was an extremely difficult one and the board made it with the primary consideration being the welfare and mental health of our players and staff.

"The board took the decision based on its own judgments and it didn't go out to consultation.

"Had we decided to go forward with the tour we'd have had to put the proposals to the players, but it didn't reach that.

"We've recommitted to a proper tour, a scheduled tour, of Pakistan next year and will get on with planning that. We will have longer to plan that trip.

The Times has confirmed that an interim chairman will be appointed by the ECB following a meeting with the board members.