Usman Wahla
Director International Cricket Operations
Lahore
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills.
Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director International Cricket Operations
Pakistan Cricket Board
2023.05 - Current
- Developed and executed strategic plans for international cricket operations, resulting in improved team performance, increased revenue and player development
- Lead a team responsible for overseeing and coordinating international cricket events and series
- Managed the logistics, scheduling, and execution of major international cricket tournaments, such as the Asian Cricket Council Asia Cup & the Pakistan Super League
- Ensured compliance with international cricket rules & regulations
- Fostered positive relationships with international cricket players, addressing their concerns and building an atmosphere of trust
- Implemented player welfare programs to enhance overall well-being of international cricketers leading to the largest ever pay package for centrally contracted players
- Managed budgeting and financial planning for international cricket operations, achieving cost savings and revenue growth
- Implemented revenue-generating initiatives, such as sponsorships and merchandise sales
- Worked with governing bodies to address rule changes and governance matters
- Led efforts to maintain integrity and fairness of sport
- Implemented talent development programs to nurture the next generation of international cricket administrators and officials.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
Head of Pakistan Super League
Pakistan Cricket Board
2021.11 - 2023.05
- Appointed Tournament Director for PSL 8
- Led the successful PSL 8 player draft resulting in the most competitive pool of players in league history
- Developed the Creative & Marketing Plan for PSL 8
- Created new commercial properties in line with the KPI for franchise revenue generation
- Developed, mentored and managed the PSL team for PSL 7 and successfully delivered the event, setting aside substantive and multifaceted challenges
- Worked alongside all PSL commercial partners in delivering on stakeholder deliverables and key event requirements for the tournament
- Worked alongside key internal stakeholders to develop a creative theme for PSL 7 including but not limited to the PSL 7 anthem, television commercials, curtain opening & closing ceremonies & digital content
- Worked alongside the PSL franchises to plan and execute the successful operational delivery of PSL 7 including the bio secure protocols that enabled PSL 7 to be the first multi team international league to be completed in one go after numerous COVID -19 related stoppages across the cricketing globe
- Coordinated the documentation, tender process, bidders communication, and ultimate sale of PSL category, broadcasting, & live streaming rights at exponential growth ranging from 50-170%
- Developed and delivered fresh fan engagement strategies including consumer information, stadium experience and accessibility for PSL 7
- Developed and executed the successful ticketing operations for PSL 7 within a changing Covid-19 environment
- Monitored, Implemented, and delivered all activities of PSL 7 while meeting the organizations set expectations of event delivery.
Senior General Manager Pakistan Super League
Pakistan Cricket Board
2021.04 - 2021.11
- PSL team lead for Pakistan Super League operations
- Member of the team that successfully planned, organized and executed PSL 6 in Abu Dhabi during the Covid -19 pandemic
- Served as the point of contact for all matters related to Covid-19 bio secure protocol implementation and management for PSL 6
- Team lead for the planning, coordination, and communication for all franchise operations including cricket and logistics operations
- Team lead for the set-up of bio secure bubbles for franchises, broadcasters and work staff across multiple facilities
- Team lead to oversee all venue operations preparation, planning and execution for PSL
- Team member serving as the coordination and communication point of contact between key stakeholders such as the department of health Abu Dhabi, PCB contracted bio secure consultants, and the team of Bio Bubble managers.
Head of PCB Ticketing
Pakistan Cricket Board
8 2019 - 2023.04
- Oversaw the ticketing process that saw an attendance of 650.000+spectators during PSL 8.
- Oversaw the ticketing process that helped set the highest ever attendance record for a bilateral series in Pakistan's history (England 2022)
- Implemented stadium mapping and fan communication strategies leading to an enhanced spectator experience
- Team lead for the sale of over half a million tickets during the 2019-2020 PCB events calendar
- Spectator operations team lead for a total attendance of 434,610 fans across 4 cities during PSL 5
- Team lead for the generation of Ticket & Hospitality Sale Gross Revenue of 650+ million
- Developed a corporate partner base of 125+ corporate clients
- Lead the identification and subsequent successful delivery of Ticketing Operations for PSL 6 (February/March 2021) & PSL 7 (Feb 2022) in a Covid-19 restricted environment
- Team lead on the successful turnaround and improvement of the sales process and customer relation management for PSL 6 (February/March 2021).
Head of Cricket Operations Pakistan Super League
Pakistan Cricket Board
2015.09 - 2021.04
- Delivered the cricket operations for the inaugural Pakistan Super League and the subsequent PSL editions held in the UAE and Pakistan
- Formulated and executed daily tournament run orders
- Team lead member for the management of tournament playing control teams, including event technical committees, in the enforcement of PSL rules and regulations
- Team lead for all franchise operations
- Delivered multimillion dollar PSL venue budgets in each of the 5 editions of PSL while ensuring savings for PCB
- Coordination with government and security agencies for the successful delivery of PSL matches held in Pakistan.
Senior General Manager International Cricket Operations
Pakistan Cricket Board
2015.01 - 2018.01
- Managed all cricket, venue, and event related operations for PCB during the 2015/18 cricket calendars
- Principal contact with the cricket operations departments of ICC member boards and relevant ICC departments for ICC and Bilateral Events
- Managed all international cricket operations including finalization of MOU’s with ICC Member Boards and series budgets
- Team member of the group that agreed a 3 year remuneration package with PCB central contract players
- Worked with fellow national cricket boards on cricket development programs leading to initiatives such as the first ever home test for Cricket Ireland
- Successfully coordinated with Pakistan national teams coaches to improve performance and fitness standards
- Formulated, arranged and delivered preparatory camps for Pakistan’s national teams both in Pakistan and overseas
- Built an environment of close coordination and cooperation with critical members of Pakistan’s National Cricket Team managements including captains, head coaches, national selectors and NCA coaches
- Introduced annual strategy planning meetings with key stakeholders of Pakistan national teams and improve preparations for approaching cricket seasons.
Senior Manager International Cricket Operations
Pakistan Cricket Board
2011.01 - 2015.01
- Managed all operations activities for PCB International Cricket Seasons
- Managed home and away series planning for the Pakistan team and touring teams
- Prepared and delivered annual & series budgets for the International Cricket Operations Department
- Coordinated with neutral venue event managers, official broadcasters and sponsors to ensure a quality production of all PCB matches
- Prepared and coordinated itineraries for all ICC match officials, Pakistan Teams, and visiting teams for PCB’s home & away series
- Managed PCB Centrally contracted player relations and matters related to NOC’s, breaches, fitness & performance monitoring
- Coordinated with ICC officials in planning for Pakistan teams operations for senior and U-19 ICC Events while ensuring that all ICC and PCB Codes and policies were implemented.
Manager Mass Communication
2009.01 - 2010.01
- Relaunched board publications including Media Guides, Bi-Monthly Newsletter and PCB Annual Reports
- Supervised the competitive bidding and selection process for a new official website partner
- In charge of drafting all external communications for the PCB media department
- Built relations with the local and international media
- Coordinated media related functions for all Pakistan overseas series with partner boards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Institutional Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, Rhode Island 1997.03 - 1999.08
Hospitality Administration Diploma -
HOSTA- Hotel And Tourism School
Leysin, Switzerland 1995.08 - 1996.05
Skills
Remaining focused and on task during high pressure situations
Team building and fostering a team environment while delivering on KPI's
Multitasking
Performance Improvement
Budget Control
People Management
Organizational Development
Contract Negotiation
Schedule Management
Effective Communication
References
Gavin Dovey
CEO Northern Territories Cricket
Direct: +61 8 8944 8921 | Mobile: +61 424 508 435
Gavin.Dovey@ntcricket.com.au | www.ntcricket.com.au
Matthew Boucher
CEO - Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub / Advisor - Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Abu Dhabi T10
+971-50-443-2065
mboucher@abudhabicricket.ae
Timeline
Director International Cricket Operations
Pakistan Cricket Board
2023.05 - Current
Head of Pakistan Super League
Pakistan Cricket Board
2021.11 - 2023.05
Senior General Manager Pakistan Super League
Pakistan Cricket Board
2021.04 - 2021.11
Head of Cricket Operations Pakistan Super League
Pakistan Cricket Board
2015.09 - 2021.04
Senior General Manager International Cricket Operations
Pakistan Cricket Board
2015.01 - 2018.01
Senior Manager International Cricket Operations
Pakistan Cricket Board
2011.01 - 2015.01
Manager Mass Communication
2009.01 - 2010.01
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Institutional Management
Johnson & Wales University
1997.03 - 1999.08
Hospitality Administration Diploma -
HOSTA- Hotel And Tourism School
1995.08 - 1996.05
Head of PCB Ticketing
Pakistan Cricket Board
8 2019 - 2023.04
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