Source: Mint
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a landmark shift in world cricket and Indian sports media industry by appointing Sanjog Gupta its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), withdrawing him from his former role as CEO of Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar. Gupta is now the seventh CEO of ICC succeeding Geoff Allardice, as the ICC has said goodbye to Geoff Allardice.
In any event, upon Gupta leaving, JioStar named Ishan Chatterjee to lead its entire sports business across TV and digital.
ICC’s Worldwide Search
The organization, staying true to its global reach, stated that Gupta was eligible for a global search. More than 2,500 candidates from 25 countries applied. A committee, chaired by ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja, reviewed a final list of 12 candidates. Gupta was then unanimously put forward by ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
“It is a privilege to have this opportunity, especially at a time when cricket is poised for unprecedented growth,” Gupta said in a statement issued by the ICC. “Cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the rapid acceleration of technology adoption could act as force multipliers for the movement.”
Sanjog Gupta’s Story
Gupta joined Star India in 2010, and held various positions before becoming the head of its sports business. After the mergers of Disney and Viacom18 took place in 2024, Gupta became CEO of Sports at JioStar. Gupta oversaw big sporting events like the IPL, ICC tournaments, Pro Kabaddi, and American and international events like Wimbledon and English Premier League.
He helped to change how Indians watch Sports by bringing in content in multiple languages, pushing the digital route, and elevating women’s sports. He has also helped in increasing the business valuation of leagues like IPL and ISL.
Ishan Chatterjee Takes The Reigns at JioStar
JioStar has announced Ishan Chatterjee will be taking the place of Gupta, who led the company at a variety of executive posts starting in 2024. He had been leading the company’s sports revenue and ad innovation, but now will be in charge of the company’s entire sports portfolio including TV and online streaming through JioHotstar and Star Sports.
Chatterjee, who headed YouTube India’s operation, has significant tech and media experience. He introduced a number of innovations during IPL 2025, including audience measurement in collaboration with Nielsen, the use of AI to read viewer behaviour, and special ad packages for small and regional businesses.
“The idea is to unify TV and digital sports with a clear focus on revenue and advertiser ROI,” said a senior executive familiar with the internal development. “Ishan’s appointment signals a new chapter of business-first, fan-connected sport at JioStar.”
What This Indicates for Cricket
Gupta’s appointment to the ICC is an indication of India’s emerging stature in international cricket. The ICC is headquartered in Dubai, although India is strong enough to influence many of the ICC’s decisions and actions, such as advocating for cricket to be included in the Olympics and plans to launch cricket in America and in other non-traditional markets.
As ICC CEO, Gupta is expected to primarily focus on:
- Cricket’s growth in new countries
- Women’s cricket
- Better use of technology
- New ways to show matches online
His unique combination of business acumen and fan insight may improve the ICC’s ability to connect with new audiences and enhance how cricket is shared globally.
In brief: Sanjog Gupta moving to the ICC (International Cricket Council) and Ishan Chatterjee being promoted to the position of Director at JioStar represent a strong indicator of change in leadership within cricket. They will both be expected to introduce new concepts and business orientation to help advance the sport and sports media marketplace.
