Dubai, July 7, 2025: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing fresh concerns over a potential conflict of interest following the appointment of Sanjog Gupta, an Indian media executive, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), sources confirmed on Monday.
According to insiders familiar with the matter, Gupta’s past advocacy for India receiving a larger share of ICC revenues has raised alarm bells among several member cricket boards, who are already wary of India’s expanding influence within the governing body.
Gupta had previously argued that, since India generates the majority of global cricket revenue, it should be allocated a proportionately larger share of the ICC’s financial pie. These remarks, made during earlier revenue model discussions, are now being scrutinized amid concerns over the ICC’s neutrality and governance balance.
“This appointment could potentially skew decision-making in favor of a single member board,” said a senior official from a Full Member nation, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Gupta’s appointment follows a pattern of increased Indian presence within ICC leadership under current ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who also hails from India.
Key positions currently held by Indian nationals include Prabhakaran Thanraj – Vice President of Commercial and Operations, and Gaurav Saxena – General Manager of Events and Corporate Communications (formerly GM Operations at BCCI).
Both officials had previously worked with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), further fueling concerns about consolidation of influence within the global cricket body.
Several cricket boards are said to be privately expressing concern over what they perceive as a centralization of power that could undermine the ICC’s collective and impartial structure.
The ICC confirmed Gupta’s appointment on Monday, stating that he replaces Geoff Allardice, who stepped down last year. According to the ICC, the recruitment process began in March 2025 and attracted over 2,500 applications from 25 countries.
From the applicant pool, 12 candidates were shortlisted for further evaluation. Gupta was unanimously recommended by the ICC Nominations Committee, comprising Imran Khawaja, Deputy Chairman, Richard Thompson, ECB Chairman, Shammi Silva, SLC President and Devajit Saikia BCCI Secretary.
The recommendation was approved by Chairman Jay Shah and later ratified by the full ICC Board.
While the ICC maintains that the selection process was competitive and transparent, questions persist regarding how Gupta’s leadership will affect revenue-sharing models, tournament hosting decisions, and the balance of power within international cricket.
With key ICC decisions looming — including the finalization of the next media rights cycle and preparations for upcoming global events — Gupta’s tenure is expected to face close scrutiny from both member boards and cricket stakeholders worldwide.
