Geoff Allardice resigns as ICC CEO

Geoff Allardice has announced his resignation as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) after four years in the role. The decision comes just weeks before the Champions Trophy, with Allardice revealing that he wishes to pursue new challenges. 

Allardice joined the ICC in 2012 as General Manager of Cricket after a stint with Cricket Australia as Cricket Operations Manager. In March 2021, he was appointed as the ICC’s acting CEO following the suspension of his predecessor, Manu Sawhney. Eight months later, in November 2021, he was given the role full-time. Throughout his stint, he was crucial in guiding ICC policies, enhancing the reach of the game, and ensuring cricket’s commercial stability.

"It has been a privilege to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council and I am incredibly proud of the results we have achieved, from enhancing the global reach of cricket to the commercial foundation put in place for ICC Members," Allardice said in a statement. 

Wish the ICC and global cricket community every success in the future: Geoff Allardice

During his time with the ICC, Allardice oversaw several major developments, including the implementation of the Decision Review System (DRS) across all formats, the establishment of the World Test Championship, and efforts to ensure fairness in bowling actions. His stint as CEO was particularly challenging, as he had to take cricket through the COVID-19 pandemic. One of his achievements was successfully influencing cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"I’d like to thank the ICC Chair, the board of directors and entire cricket community for their support and collaboration over the past 13 years. I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges. I am confident that cricket has exciting times ahead, and I wish the ICC and the global cricket community every success in the future," he added.

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The ICC also hosted its first-ever major tournament in the United States during the 2024 T20 World Cup, during his tenure. However, concerns were made regarding the execution of that event, asking for an audit of its operations. Recently appointed ICC chair Jay Shah, who succeeded Greg Barclay, mentioned Allardice’s impact on the game.

“On behalf of the ICC Board, I want to sincerely thank Geoff for his leadership and commitment during his tenure as Chief Executive. His efforts have played a key role in advancing cricket globally. We are truly grateful for his service and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors,” Shah said.

The ICC has yet to announce whether Allardice will continue in his role until the conclusion of the Champions Trophy or if a change will take place immediately. The board has confirmed that it will initiate steps to identify his successor in the coming weeks.

His exit is the latest in a string of high-profile departures from the ICC’s senior management, including Alex Marshall (head of anti-corruption), Chris Tetley (head of events), and Claire Furlong (general manager of marketing and communications).