Concerns mount over India’s dominance in global cricket after Gupta’s elevation to ICC top post

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing growing scrutiny over impartiality and fair representation after appointing Sanjog Gupta, an Indian executive, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)—a move that has reignited concerns about India’s outsized influence in global cricket administration.

Gupta, who previously held senior roles at Star India (Disney), had earlier advocated for India receiving a larger share of ICC revenue, arguing that the BCCI generates the majority of cricket’s global income.

His stance had already alarmed smaller cricket boards, who fear an imbalance in financial distribution and decision-making.

The appointment came at a time when the ICC is already dominated by Indian officials, including chairman Jay Shah (son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah).

Prabhakaran Thanraj (ex-BCCI) – ICC Vice President (Commercial & Operations), Gaurav Saxena (former BCCI GM of Operations) – ICC General Manager (Events & Corporate Communications), Jay Shah – ICC Chairman (also serves as BCCI Secretary) are examples of India's growing influence in ICC leadership. 

Sources revealed that several member boards are privately uneasy about the consolidation of power within the ICC, fearing it may lead to biased governance favoring India’s interests.

On the other hand, ICC defends the selection process as it stated that Gupta’s appointment followed a "rigorous global search":

Over 2,500 applications from 25 countries were reviewed.

A 12-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a nominations committee, including representatives from England (ECB), Sri Lanka (SLC), and BCCI.

The committee unanimously recommended Gupta, with final approval from Jay Shah and the ICC Board.
On the other hand, smaller nations worry that financial and administrative control is increasingly concentrated among wealthier boards (India, Australia, England).

Critics argued that the ICC’s neutrality is at risk, with key roles being filled by BCCI-affiliated executives.

With Gupta set to take charge, the ICC’s revenue model, tournament scheduling, and governance structure will be closely watched. If decisions appear India-centric, it could deepen rifts within the cricketing world.