Sanjog Gupta, an Indian media executive with a rich history in shaping the sports broadcasting landscape, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC). His appointment, effective immediately on July 7, 2025, marks a significant moment for the ICC as it seeks to expand its global footprint and enhance the fan experience. Gupta succeeds Geoff Allardice, who resigned in January 2025.
Gupta's career trajectory is noteworthy. He began as a journalist before transitioning into the media and entertainment industry. He joined Star India (now JioStar) in 2010 and steadily climbed the corporate ladder, holding various leadership positions in content, programming, and strategy. In 2020, he became the Head of Sports at Disney and Star India. Most recently, prior to his ICC appointment, Gupta served as the CEO of Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar, a media powerhouse formed by the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star.
Throughout his career, Gupta has been instrumental in transforming how sports are viewed and experienced across platforms. At Star Sports, he oversaw cricket operations and played a pivotal role in managing the broadcaster's cricket content and rights, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and major international events. His influence was key in scaling the network's cricket portfolio. He is credited with driving innovations such as multi-language broadcasts, digital-first programming, and women-centric coverage. Gupta also played a role in establishing domestic sports leagues like Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and Indian Super League (ISL). According to the ICC, Gupta is considered a visionary leader and one of the architects of the modern sports ecosystem in India.
The ICC's selection process was extensive, with over 2,500 applications received from 25 countries. A shortlist of 12 candidates was reviewed by a Nominations Committee comprising ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, ECB Chairman Richard Thompson, SLC President Shammi Silva, and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. The committee recommended Gupta for the role, and the recommendation was approved by ICC Chairman Jay Shah and ratified by the full ICC board.
Gupta's appointment comes at a crucial time for cricket. The sport is set to make its Olympic return at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, presenting a major opportunity to broaden its reach. The ICC is determined to make cricket a permanent Olympic sport, and Gupta will play a key role in overseeing this effort. His expertise in sports strategy and commercialization will be invaluable as the ICC aims to grow the game globally.
As CEO, Gupta is expected to prioritize Olympic alignment, women's cricket, technological innovation, and growth in emerging markets. His media background could also lead to a reimagining of how ICC content is packaged and distributed globally, particularly in the streaming era.
"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," Gupta said in a statement issued by the ICC.
