Wed. Jul 30th, 2025

International Cricket Council Names Sanjog Gupta as New CEO: A New Era Begins

In a landmark move that could shape the future of cricket globally, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the appointment of Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This strategic decision signals the start of an exciting new chapter for the ICC, bringing in a leader with an exceptional track record in sports strategy, media, entertainment, and global business operations.

Sanjog Gupta Brings Two Decades of Global Experience

Sanjog Gupta’s appointment as the seventh CEO of the ICC has generated significant buzz across the cricketing world. With over 20 years of cross-functional experience in the fields of sports, media, and entertainment, Sanjog Gupta is widely recognized as an influential leader with deep insights into sports commercialisation, fan engagement, and digital transformation.

Before joining the ICC, Sanjog served as the CEO of JioStar Sports & Live Experiences, where he played a pivotal role in redefining sports broadcasting, digital coverage, and live event experiences. His tenure at JioStar was marked by innovations that expanded viewership, enhanced multi-language sports broadcasting, and promoted women’s sports coverage.

His leadership journey began as a journalist, before moving to Star India (later rebranded as JioStar) in 2010. Over the years, he took on various leadership roles in content, programming, and strategic operations. His rise to the top of the industry was cemented when he was appointed Head of Sports at Disney and Star India in 2020, where he played an instrumental role in scaling the sports portfolio, including pioneering digital-first initiatives.

Sanjog’s appointment as CEO of JioStar Sports in November 2024 further solidified his status as a visionary leader in the sports media landscape. His expertise in sports strategy, technological innovation, and fan engagement makes him an ideal fit to lead the ICC into its next growth phase.

A Visionary Choice Welcomed by ICC Leadership

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed his enthusiasm about Sanjog Gupta’s appointment, highlighting his vast industry expertise and fresh vision for cricket’s future.

“I am pleased to announce that Sanjog Gupta has been appointed as the CEO of the ICC. Sanjog brings extensive experience in sports strategy and commercialisation, which will be invaluable for the ICC,” Shah stated.

He also emphasized Sanjog’s deep understanding of the evolving global sports market, his passion for technology, and his keen focus on fan-centric innovations.

“His deep understanding of the global sports as well as media and entertainment landscape, combined with his relentless curiosity about the cricket fan’s perspective, will be essential in our ambition to grow the game in the coming years,” Shah added.

Expanding Cricket’s Global Reach

One of the major goals highlighted by the ICC Chairman is the ambition to grow cricket beyond its traditional markets. With Sanjog Gupta at the helm, the ICC is aiming to position cricket as a mainstream global sport, further accelerating its presence in untapped markets and targeting inclusion in major global sporting events such as the Olympic Games.

“Our goal is to move beyond traditional boundaries and establish cricket as a regular sport in the Olympics, growing its expanse across the world and deepening its roots in its core markets,” Shah explained.

Sanjog was selected unanimously by the ICC Nominations Committee, beating several high-profile candidates for the prestigious role.

“The ICC Board Directors look forward to working closely with him, and I would like to welcome him on behalf of everyone at the ICC,” Shah concluded

Sanjog Gupta’s Vision for Cricket’s Future

Sanjog Gupta will officially take charge as ICC CEO on July 7. In his first statement after his appointment, Sanjog expressed his excitement about the opportunity and outlined his vision for cricket’s next chapter.

“It is a privilege to have this opportunity, especially at a time when cricket is poised for unprecedented growth and enjoys the passionate support of almost two billion fans worldwide,” Sanjog said.

He highlighted some of the emerging opportunities that will define the future of cricket, including the growing popularity of women’s cricket, increased global attention towards marquee tournaments, and the rapid integration of technology in sports.

“These are exciting times for the sport as marquee events grow in stature, commercial avenues widen, and opportunities such as the women’s game scale in popularity. Cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the rapid acceleration of technology adoption could act as force-multipliers for the cricket movement worldwide,” Sanjog stated.

Prioritizing Fan Engagement and Technology :

In his statement, Sanjog also emphasized the importance of enhancing the fan experience and leveraging technology to connect with a new generation of cricket followers.

“I look forward to contributing to the next phase of cricket’s evolution, expanding its global footprint, enhancing the fan experience, and working closely with ICC Member Boards to build on our strong foundations,” he added.

With the world of sports evolving rapidly through digital platforms, data analytics, and immersive viewing experiences, Sanjog’s expertise positions him perfectly to lead the ICC’s efforts in adapting to this new landscape.

Why This Appointment Matters: ICC’s New Growth Chapter

The ICC’s decision to appoint Sanjog Gupta reflects the organization’s commitment to innovation, global expansion, and inclusive growth. With cricket evolving beyond the traditional formats and expanding its reach via T20 leagues, digital streaming, and global tournaments, strong leadership is critical to navigating this dynamic environment.

Some of the key areas where Sanjog Gupta is expected to drive change include:

Growing the global reach of cricket through strategic partnerships.
Promoting women’s cricket and making it a mainstream global spectacle.
Leading cricket’s efforts at the Olympic Games.
Innovating with digital-first fan engagement initiatives.
Expanding youth participation and grassroots programs worldwide.

Conclusion: ICC’s Bold Step Forward with Sanjog Gupta

The appointment of Sanjog Gupta as the new CEO of the International Cricket Council marks a significant turning point for the future of cricket. His vast experience, strategic mindset, and passion for technology-driven fan engagement set the stage for a bold and exciting era in cricket’s history.

As he steps into this crucial role, all eyes will be on how he leads the ICC through the next wave of growth, innovation, and global expansion.

Stay tuned for more updates as Sanjog Gupta officially assumes his duties and steers cricket towards new horizons.