DUBAI: Geoff Allardice has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) after serving in the role for four years.
His resignation comes at a crucial time as the ICC gears up for one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar – the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Allardice’s departure, effective immediately, marks the end of a significant chapter for the ICC, as he leaves behind a legacy of pivotal decisions that have shaped modern cricket. He had taken on the full-time CEO role in November 2021, following his interim appointment in 2020 after his predecessor, Manu Sawhney, was suspended. Allardice had been with the ICC since 2012, initially serving as General Manager of Cricket, where he was instrumental in several key developments within the sport.
In his resignation statement, Allardice expressed his pride in the achievements of his tenure: “It has been a privilege to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the ICC. I am incredibly proud of the results we have achieved, from enhancing the global reach of cricket to establishing a strong commercial foundation for ICC Members. I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges.”
Achievements and challenges
Allardice’s leadership saw the implementation of significant reforms, such as the creation of the World Test Championship and the ODI Super League, aimed at giving context to bilateral series in the face of the booming T20 leagues. His tenure also included the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) in international cricket, which overcame early resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, it was his role in cricket’s inclusion in the Olympic Games that may prove to be his most lasting legacy, positioning the sport for global expansion.
While Allardice's tenure also saw historic firsts, including the staging of an ICC World Cup in the USA last year, it wasn’t without its challenges. The event has come under scrutiny following an operational audit, with some board members voicing concerns over the tournament's management. Nevertheless, Allardice’s ability to navigate such challenges, particularly during the difficult years of the Covid-19 pandemic, garnered praise from colleagues.
Changing of the Guard
The timing of Allardice's resignation is notable, coinciding with the beginning of Jay Shah's term as ICC Chair. Shah, former secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), succeeded Greg Barclay on 1 December. In a statement issued by the ICC, Shah expressed gratitude to Allardice for his leadership and contributions, particularly in advancing the global footprint of cricket.
“On behalf of the ICC Board, I want to sincerely thank Geoff for his leadership and commitment during his tenure as Chief Executive,” Shah said. “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 endeavours.”
Senior departures at ICC
Allardice is not the only senior figure to step down recently. In the last few months, several key members of the ICC management team have resigned, including Alex Marshall (head of anti-corruption), Chris Tetley (head of events), and Claire Furlong (general manager of marketing and communication). These departures come at a time when the ICC is under increasing pressure to manage its operations more effectively in preparation for major events like the Champions Trophy.
Champions Trophy 2025
As Allardice bids farewell, the ICC’s focus shifts to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Scheduled from 19 February to 9 March 2025, the tournament will feature eight of the world’s top cricketing nations: Pakistan, India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This high-stakes event promises to be a major highlight for the cricketing world, with matches set to take place across Pakistan and the UAE.
Dubai will host some of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, including India’s matches on 20, 23 February, and 2 March. Fans eager to secure tickets for the event can now register their interest through the official Champions Trophy website, with group stage tickets in Pakistan already available for sale.
Tickets on sale
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, excitement is building among cricket fans worldwide. Tickets for the group-stage matches in Pakistan are currently on sale, with prices starting from Dh 13 for general tickets and Dh 19.5 for premium seating. As the tournament draws closer, fans in Dubai can look forward to securing their seats for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounters, which are expected to be a major highlight of the event.
New leadership at ICC
With the departure of Allardice, the ICC board will now begin the search for a new CEO to lead the organisation through the upcoming challenges and opportunities in global cricket. The search for a successor is expected to be one of the first tasks for the newly appointed chairman, Jay Shah, as the ICC prepares for one of its most exciting tournaments in recent history.
In the coming weeks, more details regarding Allardice’s successor will be revealed as the ICC moves into the next phase of its leadership. For now, the Champions Trophy 2025 remains the primary focus, with fans worldwide eagerly anticipating the fierce competition that awaits.