Sanjog Gupta Appointed ICC CEO to Lead Cricket’s Global Transformation

With a vision to expand cricket’s global footprint and deepen fan engagement, Gupta takes charge as the ICC’s 7th CEO following a rigorous global recruitment process

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially appointed Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will assume office on Monday, becoming the seventh individual to hold the prestigious role. Gupta’s appointment marks a significant step as the ICC charts a transformative path for cricket’s future on the global stage.

In an official statement, the ICC said, “We welcome Sanjog Gupta as he prepares to lead cricket’s global journey into a transformative future.” His selection comes after a comprehensive global recruitment drive launched in March, which attracted more than 2,500 applications from candidates across 25 countries. Applicants included leaders from international sporting bodies and high-ranking corporate executives, underlining the immense appeal and importance of the role.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed confidence in Gupta’s leadership, stating, “Sanjog brings extensive experience in sports strategy and commercialisation, which will be invaluable for the ICC. His deep understanding of global sports dynamics, the media and entertainment ecosystem, and his constant curiosity about fan engagement—particularly through technology—will be crucial in expanding the game’s reach and relevance.

“Our ambition is to go beyond traditional markets and formats, with a major goal being the successful inclusion and visibility of cricket in the Olympics. Sanjog’s appointment reflects that vision. The Nominations Committee unanimously recommended him, and I look forward to working closely with him in the coming years.”

The selection process was conducted with meticulous scrutiny. Initially, the ICC’s HR & Remuneration Committee shortlisted 12 top candidates. These profiles were evaluated by a Nominations Committee that included ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja, ECB Chair Richard Thompson, Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. Following a rigorous selection process, Gupta was unanimously recommended and subsequently approved by the full ICC Board.

On his appointment, Gupta remarked, “It is a privilege to have this opportunity, especially at a time when cricket is poised for unprecedented global growth, with nearly 2 billion passionate fans supporting the game. These are exciting times with the rise of marquee events, expanding commercial opportunities, and the scaling of women’s cricket.”

Gupta highlighted cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and rapid technological advancement as major accelerators for cricket’s expansion. “These developments can be force-multipliers for the cricket movement globally. I am committed to working with ICC Member Boards to deepen cricket’s roots in core markets and to broaden its appeal across new territories.”

Gupta brings a wealth of experience in both sports strategy and content innovation. He played a key role in elevating the global profile of ICC events and the IPL, while also contributing to the rise of domestic leagues such as the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and the Indian Super League (ISL). Moreover, he has helped promote global sports events such as the Premier League and Wimbledon to Indian audiences.

Starting his career as a journalist, Gupta joined Star India (now JioStar) in 2010, steadily rising through the ranks in roles across programming, strategy, and content leadership. As Head of Sports at Disney Star since 2020, he was instrumental in crafting multilingual, digital-first, and inclusive sports content, especially focused on enhancing women’s sports visibility.

As Gupta prepares to take the reins at the ICC, expectations are high that his strategic insights and innovative mindset will drive cricket into a new era of global popularity and commercial success.