Sanjog Gupta Named New CEO of International Cricket Council: A Bold New Era Begins

In a major move that has taken many in the cricketing world by surprise, Sanjog Gupta has been named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He replaces Geoff Allardice, who stepped down after serving a crucial term that spanned both challenges and successes for global cricket.

This appointment marks a significant shift in the ICC’s leadership approach, as Gupta comes from a media and broadcasting background rather than a traditional cricket administration path. Let’s explore what this decision means for the future of international cricket and why Sanjog Gupta could bring a fresh, media-savvy perspective to the world’s most beloved sport.

ICC Appoints Sanjog Gupta as its New CEO – What’s the Big Deal?

The news of Sanjog Gupta appointed ICC CEO has created ripples not only in cricket circles but also in the broader world of sports business. Known for his visionary work in sports broadcasting in India, Gupta was previously the Head of Sports at Star and Disney India, where he played a key role in shaping how cricket is viewed and consumed across the country and beyond.

Now, with Gupta replacing Allardice as ICC chief executive, the move seems to reflect the ICC’s growing focus on commercial expansion, digital innovation, and fan engagement, especially in Asian and emerging markets.

Who is Sanjog Gupta? A Quick Background

Before stepping into the global cricket spotlight, Sanjog Gupta was already a heavyweight in India’s sports broadcasting scene. At Star Sports, he helped transform how Indians watched cricket — from multi-language commentary to viewer interactivity, and big-ticket marketing campaigns that made matches feel like festivals.

Notable Achievements Before ICC Role

• Spearheaded regionalisation of sports content, especially IPL and World Cups in Indian languages
• Introduced advanced tech-integrated viewing experiences, including analytics, AR/VR, and multi-screen broadcasting
• Played a key part in negotiating major sports rights, including ICC, IPL, and other marquee events

He wasn’t just running a sports channel; he was helping reshape how cricket was consumed and monetised in the world’s biggest cricket market.

Sanjog Gupta Named ICC’s New CEO – What Does This Mean for Cricket?

While the appointment of an executive from a broadcasting background may raise eyebrows among traditionalists, it reflects where cricket is headed: into a future that’s increasingly digital, commercially complex, and fan-driven.

Here’s why Sanjog Gupta could be exactly the kind of CEO the ICC needs in 2025 and beyond.

A Fresh Commercial Vision for Global Cricket

With media rights now driving the majority of ICC’s revenue, the importance of someone who understands both content and commerce can’t be understated. Gupta is expected to bring a sharp eye for:

• Maximising global broadcast deals
• Expanding the T20 and franchise cricket ecosystem
• Enhancing the ICC’s digital platforms and streaming services
• Engaging Gen Z and millennial fans who consume cricket in non-traditional ways (like highlights, memes, and reels)

In many ways, his appointment signals a shift from administrative governance to commercial and content innovation.

Replacing Geoff Allardice – Big Shoes to Fill

Geoff Allardice, a respected figure in international cricket, had been serving as ICC CEO since 2021. He steered the ship during some turbulent times, including pandemic scheduling chaos, the rise of franchise leagues, and changing global viewership patterns.

While Allardice came from a pure cricketing background (a former Australian cricketer and ICC operations chief), Gupta brings a more strategic, big-picture, business-first mindset — something the ICC may now need more than ever.

One thing that hasn’t been discussed enough in most articles is the possible transformation of ICC events into entertainment-first mega-events, especially under Gupta’s leadership.

Remember how IPL grew rapidly under strong broadcast guidance? Now imagine similar energy being brought to the ICC T20 World Cups, Champions Trophy, or Women’s Cricket events.

Expect more:

• Behind-the-scenes content
• Interactive fan voting and commentary
• OTT exclusives and real-time analysis
• Global campaigns like “Cricket For Everyone” in multiple languages

It’s possible we may see ICC blurring the lines between traditional cricket broadcasting and digital content entertainment in the next 2–3 years — and Gupta is the ideal person to drive this vision.

ICC Names Top India Broadcaster Official As CEO – Why It’s a Big Win for India

This appointment also highlights how India’s influence in global cricket continues to rise. For the first time, a media executive from India is heading the most powerful governing body in world cricket.

India already:

• Contributes 80%+ of ICC’s global revenue
• Hosts the world’s most lucrative cricket league (IPL)
• Has the biggest cricket fan base on the planet

Now, with an Indian CEO at the helm, there’s hope that India’s cricketing and commercial interests will have stronger representation in global cricket policies, formats, and scheduling decisions.

Sanjog Gupta’s Immediate Priorities as ICC CEO

1. Restructuring ICC Events

ICC’s calendar is getting increasingly crowded. From bilateral series to franchise leagues, Gupta will need to bring balance while ensuring ICC events stay at the top in terms of relevance and fan interest.

2. Boosting Women’s Cricket Globally

Under Gupta’s guidance, women’s sports at Star India got huge promotion. He could bring that same strategy to grow ICC Women’s tournaments, brand them better, and secure dedicated sponsorships.

3. Fighting Viewer Fatigue and Fragmentation

With cricket being available on so many platforms now, fans are overwhelmed. Gupta could help streamline access, introduce personalised experiences, and use AI and data to make viewing more engaging.

What Experts Are Saying About Gupta’s Appointment

Industry insiders are calling this a game-changing move. One anonymous ICC insider reportedly said, “This shows the ICC is not just looking at cricket as a sport, but as a growing global product that needs innovation and leadership.”

Fans too seem divided — while some purists worry about too much commercialisation, younger fans welcome the shift towards better content, presentation, and reach.

A New Chapter in Cricket’s Global Story

With Sanjog Gupta named new ICC CEO, the governing body has made a bold statement — cricket needs to evolve, not just on the field but in how it’s packaged, presented, and promoted.

His appointment isn’t just about replacing Geoff Allardice. It’s about redefining the very way we experience cricket — from stadium to screen, and from highlights to hashtags.

The coming years will tell how successful this gamble turns out to be. But one thing’s for sure — the game of cricket will never be the same again.

Key Facts About Sanjog Gupta & ICC CEO Appointment