Concerns Emerge Over ICC’s New CEO Appointment

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) recent naming of Sanjog Gupta, an Indian executive, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has raised apprehensions about a possible conflict of interest, sources indicated on Monday.

According to insiders, Gupta’s prior advocacy for India to secure a more substantial portion of the ICC’s revenue is under scrutiny.

In past discussions regarding the ICC’s revenue distribution strategy, Gupta reportedly contended that India should receive a proportionally larger share, given its significant contribution to global cricket revenue.

These viewpoints have unsettled several member boards, already wary of India’s increasing authority within the ICC. A greater number of Indian officials in vital ICC leadership positions might undermine the organization’s impartiality and weaken its collective decision-making.

Gupta’s appointment augments the growing list of Indian administrators holding senior roles at the ICC, under the leadership of chairman Jay Shah, who is also from India.

Prabhakaran Thanraj is serving as vice president of commercial and operations, while Gaurav Saxena is the general manager of events and corporate communications.

Both individuals formerly worked with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI); Saxena was the BCCI’s general manager of operations before his move to the ICC.

Sources suggest that these appointments have prompted concerns about a perceived concentration of influence within the ICC. Several cricket boards have privately voiced discontent regarding the absence of equitable representation in global cricket’s decision-making procedures.

It is important to note that the ICC designated Sanjog Gupta as CEO on Monday, succeeding Geoff Allardice, who vacated the position last year.

According to the ICC, the recruitment process initiated in March 2025, drawing over 2,500 applications from 25 nations. From this pool, 12 candidates were shortlisted for further assessment.

The ICC nominations committee, comprising Deputy chairman Imran Khawaja, ECB chairman Richard Thompson, SLC president Shammi Silva, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, made the final recommendation.

The committee members unanimously endorsed Gupta, and their suggestion was subsequently endorsed by Jay Shah and ratified by the full ICC Board.