ICC CEO Geoff Allardice Resigns Amid Questions Over Pakistan

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. ICC CEO Geoff Allardice has announced his resignation just weeks before the Champions Trophy 2025.
2. A board member attributed his departure to the lack of a clear picture of Pakistan’s preparations.
3. Allardice, 57, joined the ICC in 2012 and became CEO in November 2021.
4. He expressed pride in his tenure and noted that it was time to move on to new challenges.
5. The ICC’s official statement did not elaborate on the reasons behind his departure, though sources indicated growing tensions.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Geoff Allardice Resigns Amidst Preparation Issues for Champions Trophy

Geoff Allardice’s resignation as CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) just ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy has raised many eyebrows. The 57-year-old executive joined ICC in 2012, initially as General Manager of Cricket, and ascended to CEO in 2021. Under his leadership, ICC faced some notable achievements, including expanding the global reach of the sport and securing the commercial foundation necessary for its members. However, his time at the helm has not been free of controversy.

Challenges with Pakistan’s Readiness for Champions Trophy

Allardice’s resignation is linked to growing concerns about Pakistan’s ability to host the upcoming Champions Trophy. As the event approaches, the stadiums in key locations like Karachi and Rawalpindi remain under renovation, and images from the sites have raised doubts about their completion before the event’s start on February 19. Originally, Pakistan was slated to be the main host of the tournament, but security concerns have forced India’s matches to be shifted to Dubai. The event will feature the world’s top 8 teams and is a high-profile occasion, the first of its kind since 2017.

The delays in venue preparation prompted concerns within the ICC, with one board member criticizing Allardice for not presenting a clear report on the country’s preparedness for such a significant event. “What broke the camel’s back,” said the source, “was his failure to give a clear picture about the readiness of Pakistan.”

Allardice’s Legacy at ICC

During his tenure at ICC, Allardice was responsible for overseeing several pivotal moments in cricket. His leadership contributed to the ICC’s growth in digital media and cricket’s commercialization globally. However, not all of his projects met expectations, particularly the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the United States, which faced serious logistical and budget challenges. Despite these setbacks, Allardice’s vision for the growth of cricket was largely regarded as successful. Yet, his inability to provide concrete solutions for the challenges surrounding Pakistan’s tournament readiness seemed to have been a critical factor in his departure.

A Changing ICC Leadership Landscape

Allardice’s exit is part of a broader reshuffling within ICC leadership. His resignation follows a series of departures of key officials under the tenure of former ICC chairman Greg Barclay. Earlier, three senior executives, including Chris Tetley (Head of Events), Alex Marshall (Head of Anti-Corruption Unit), and Claire Furlong (Head of Marketing and Media), also resigned for personal reasons. With Allardice’s resignation, the ICC Board is now tasked with finding a successor to lead the organization into its next phase.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Geoff Allardice resigned as ICC CEO just before the 2025 Champions Trophy due to concerns about Pakistan’s venue readiness.
• The delays in Karachi and Rawalpindi stadiums have raised doubts about the event’s success.
• Allardice’s tenure included significant global growth but faced criticism over logistical issues, including the T20 World Cup in 2024.
• His departure highlights ongoing changes within ICC’s leadership.
• ICC is now in the process of appointing a new CEO.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio