The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been subjected to much criticism regarding its communication about the Kevin Pietersen affair. Allegations of obfuscation, leaks, mixed messages and tardiness have all been made at one time or another.
By contrast, this week’s media briefing by newly appointed director of cricket Andrew Strauss demonstrated some of the key ingredients for effective issues management.
Crucially, the ECB’s key message – that a lack of trust lies at the heart of the issue between Pietersen and the ECB – was carefully planned and clearly communicated. The number of times that Strauss repeated the word “trust” in his media interviews left no one in any doubt as to what the core issue is.