Sanjog Gupta, former CEO of Sports at JioStar, is now the new CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Here’s how this game-changing appointment could reshape world cricket.
A New Era Begins at the ICC
In a bold and strategic move, Sanjog Gupta, a media veteran and one of India’s most influential sports executives, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The announcement came on July 7, 2025, with Gupta set to lead the global body responsible for overseeing and growing cricket worldwide.
Gupta replaces Geoff Allardice, who had served as ICC CEO since 2021. With this transition, Gupta becomes the seventh CEO in ICC history, and notably, one of the few Indians to occupy such a high-ranking international sports governance role.
Who is Sanjog Gupta?
Sanjog Gupta is best known for transforming cricket broadcasting in India. He began his career at Star India in 2010 and quickly rose to lead the sports division at Star Sports, later transitioning to Disney Star. His leadership was marked by innovations in:
- Multilingual sports broadcasting
- Digital-first engagement strategies
- Expanding viewership for women’s cricket
- Driving IPL to global prominence
In November 2024, he became CEO of Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar, where he shaped next-gen sports viewing and monetization strategies across OTT and linear platforms.
Why the ICC Chose Him
According to the ICC Board, Gupta was selected after a global talent search that reviewed 2,500+ applications from 25 countries. His mix of:
- Deep understanding of cricket as both sport and product
- Proven success in digital transformation
- Strategic experience in media rights and global expansion
made him the unanimous choice. The appointment was endorsed by ICC President Jay Shah, who praised Gupta’s “visionary leadership and ability to reimagine the game for new audiences.”
Jay Shah, ICC President: “His deep understanding of the global sports … passion for technology will prove essential in our ambition to grow the game..“
What This Means for Global Cricket
1. A Tech-Forward ICC
Gupta’s media expertise and digital acumen suggest a future where:
- ICC embraces AR/VR broadcasting
- AI-driven analytics enhance fan experience
- Streaming and mobile-first viewing take precedence
- Data monetization and interactive platforms evolve
2. Women’s Cricket on the Rise
Having championed women-centric coverage at Star and JioStar, Gupta is expected to:
- Push for equitable broadcasting rights
- Expand the ICC Women’s Championship
- Secure premium sponsorships for women’s tournaments
3. A Bigger Global Footprint
Under Gupta, expect cricket to reach new markets—especially with LA28 Olympics inclusion on the horizon. He’ll likely build cross-continent campaigns to grow the sport in the U.S., Middle East, and Africa.
India’s Influence Grows Stronger
With Jay Shah as ICC President and Sanjog Gupta now CEO, the ICC is heavily influenced by Indian leadership. This reflects:
- India’s dominance in global cricket economics
- Its growing stake in ICC’s commercial rights
- The strategic importance of the Indian market to the game’s future
Gupta himself acknowledged in a recent interview:
“India’s growing influence in sport is a reflection of its growing significance on the global stage.”
Changes at JioStar
As Gupta moves to the ICC, Ishan Chatterjee, former Chief Business Officer at JioStar, steps in as CEO of Sports. Chatterjee brings a strong background from YouTube India, Google, and Unilever, and is expected to continue JioStar’s focus on digital innovation, live experiences, and premium sports rights.
Sanjog Gupta’s appointment marks a defining moment in the globalization of cricket. With his deep media roots, innovative mindset, and commitment to growing the sport inclusively, he’s poised to reshape the way cricket is governed, consumed, and celebrated.
The message from the ICC is clear: the future of cricket isn’t just about tradition—it’s about technology, inclusivity, and global vision. And Sanjog Gupta is the right leader to bring that vision to life.
