ICC Names Sanjog Gupta as Its New Chief Executive Officer

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. The decision follows an extensive global search and signals a new era for international cricket as it looks to expand its global footprint and deepen engagement across traditional and emerging markets.

A Seasoned Leader in Sports, Media, and Entertainment

Sanjog Gupta is widely regarded as one of the leading architects of India’s modern sports ecosystem. With more than two decades of experience across media, broadcasting, and live sports, he currently serves as the CEO of Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar—a media entity formed by the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star in late 2024.

The ICC, in its official statement, hailed Gupta as a visionary leader with a proven track record of building consumer-centric franchises and delivering long-term, innovation-driven growth.

Jay Shah Welcomes the New CEO

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed confidence in Gupta’s appointment, stating,

“Sanjog brings extensive experience in sports strategy and commercialisation, which will be invaluable for the ICC.”

Shah emphasized Gupta’s understanding of the global sports and media landscape, adding that his insight into fan engagement, emerging technologies, and Olympic integration aligns perfectly with ICC’s long-term ambitions. Shah noted the goal of expanding cricket’s reach, particularly by integrating it into the Olympics and increasing its popularity worldwide.

A Competitive Global Search Process

The ICC’s recruitment process began in March 2025, receiving over 2,500 applications from 25 countries, spanning sports governing bodies and top corporate sectors. The HR & Remuneration Committee narrowed the pool to 12 candidates, and the Nominations Committee—which included Imran Khwaja, Richard Thompson, Shammi Silva, and Devajit Saikia—unanimously recommended Sanjog Gupta for the role.

This recommendation was later approved by Jay Shah after further review and evaluation, underlining the ICC Board’s confidence in Gupta’s leadership potential.

Gupta’s Vision for Global Cricket Growth

Reacting to his appointment, Sanjog Gupta called the opportunity a “privilege” and outlined a vision that includes:

• Broadening cricket’s global fan base

• Scaling the women’s game

• Maximising commercial potential

• Leveraging technological innovation

• Strengthening ties with ICC Member Boards

He remarked,

“Cricket enjoys the passionate support of nearly 2 billion fans. These are exciting times for the sport—with marquee events, wider commercial avenues, and its inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics acting as growth catalysts.”

Gupta pledged to contribute to cricket’s next phase of global evolution, improve fan experiences, and accelerate the sport’s integration into mainstream global platforms.

A Driving Force Behind Indian Sports Broadcasting

Gupta began his career as a journalist and joined Star India in 2010. Over the years, he held key leadership roles in content, programming, and sports strategy, eventually becoming the Head of Sports at Disney Star in 2020. Under his leadership, Star India’s sports portfolio saw tremendous growth in terms of viewership, commercial performance, and content innovation.

He played a pivotal role in the growth of major cricket events like the IPL and ICC tournaments, as well as the success of domestic leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and the Indian Super League (ISL).

Innovator in Sports Storytelling and Technology

Gupta is known for integrating multi-language programming, women-focused sports content, and digital-first strategies into mainstream sports coverage. His ability to combine creative storytelling with business acumen has earned him praise across the global sports media ecosystem.

Following the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star, Gupta was named CEO of JioStar Sports in November 2024. His leadership has helped scale JioStar’s presence in both Indian and international markets, solidifying its status as a global powerhouse in live sports broadcasting.

Final Thoughts: A Bold Step Forward for ICC

With Sanjog Gupta stepping into the CEO role, the ICC appears ready to usher in a transformational phase. His leadership comes at a crucial time when cricket is looking to expand beyond its core geographies, attract new audiences, and strengthen its Olympic ambitions.

Backed by media, tech, and strategic expertise, Gupta is expected to play a central role in redefining cricket’s global positioning and commercial potential in the years ahead.