Who is Sanjog Gupta, ICC’s new CEO? Career journey, roles & what he brings to the table.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed media and sports strategy expert Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Gupta officially took charge on July 7, succeeding Geoff Allardice, who stepped down earlier this year before the Champions Trophy citing personal reasons.
Announcing the appointment, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said, “Sanjog brings extensive experience in sports strategy and commercialisation, which will be invaluable for the ICC. His deep understanding of global sports and the media and entertainment landscape, along with his curiosity about the cricket fan’s perspective and passion for technology, will be essential in our ambition to grow the game in the coming years.”
Why Sanjog Gupta?
Sanjog Gupta’s journey is deeply rooted in both cricket broadcasting and strategic fan engagement. Starting his career as a journalist in Delhi, Gupta worked with several major news networks such as The Tribune, ABP, NDTV, and TV Today. He joined Star India in 2010 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the CEO of Star Sports in October 2020. Following the merger of Disney Star and Viacom18, he was appointed CEO of Sports and Live Experiences at JioStar Network in November 2024.
With over two decades of experience in media, content innovation, and fan-focused engagement, Gupta is considered one of the key architects behind the transformation of sports broadcasting in India. He played a pivotal role in expanding the reach and appeal of cricket through multilingual coverage, digital-first strategies, and an emphasis on inclusivity, including a strong focus on women’s cricket.
His ability to adapt and lead during a time of rapid technological change is seen as a crucial asset by the ICC. In an era where digital media is reshaping how cricket is consumed, marketed, and monetized, Gupta’s expertise is expected to guide cricket into its next evolutionary phase. His background in digital broadcasting, OTT strategy, and immersive fan experiences aligns with the ICC’s ambitions to enhance global engagement and commercial growth.
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Vision for global expansion
Gupta is joining the ICC at a time when the global cricket landscape is evolving rapidly. With the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the expanding popularity of T20 leagues across the world, the ICC is seeking to solidify cricket’s place in the global sporting ecosystem.
“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 2 billion fans worldwide. 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 Olympic inclusion and rapid digital innovation could act as force-multipliers for the sport worldwide,” Gupta said in a statement.
Gupta emphasised his commitment to working with ICC’s Member Boards to strengthen cricket’s foundations, increase its international footprint, and improve the overall fan experience.
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Digital transformation and global reach
With more fans turning to digital platforms for content, live matches, and engagement, Gupta’s experience with Star and JioStar in building large-scale digital ecosystems will be vital.
From launching regionally tailored commentary and programming to building interactive fan platforms, Gupta’s digital-first approach is expected to help the ICC tap into newer, younger audiences, especially in non-traditional markets where mobile and OTT consumption dominates. He is also known for innovating sports storytelling formats, such as data-driven match analysis, behind-the-scenes content, and immersive viewing experiences.
Under his leadership, the ICC is expected to deepen its use of technology not just in broadcasting, but also in data analytics, scheduling, fan engagement tools, and grassroots development, helping the game grow smarter and more inclusive.
Sanjog Gupta was selected following a global search process launched in March 2025 that saw over 2,500 applicants from 25 countries. According to the ICC, the role attracted candidates from sports governing bodies, media houses, and top corporate firms, highlighting the significance of the position and the increasing importance of cricket’s commercial and cultural presence worldwide.
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