 "Former ICC CEO Geoff Allardice with ICC chair Jay Shah in a file image. Reuters image")
International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Geoff Allardice has stepped down from his post just a few weeks before the Champions Trophy 2025 as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) struggles to get the stadiums ready for the prestigious global tournament. The tournament will start from 19 February and apart from India’s matches in Dubai, all games will take place across Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi .
However, the buildup to the 2025 Champions Trophy has been overshadowed by reports of Pakistan falling behind schedule in completing stadium renovations . The National Stadium in Karachi which will be hosting the opening match between Pakistan and Rawalpindi is still partially under construction.
After Pakistan missed the initial deadline of 31 December to complete the renovation work at the stadiums, the deadline was reportedly pushed to 25 January and later to 30 January. However, Pakistan will certainly miss the upcoming deadline. As per a report in Dawn, PCB has already pushed the deadline to complete work at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to 2 February.
Stadium mess in Pakistan led to Allardice’s departure?
An ICC insider has revealed that it was Allardice’s failure to present a clear picture regarding the “readiness” of Pakistan to host the Champions Trophy 2025 games and the “flop” show in the T20 World Cup 2024 that forced the former Australian cricketer to step down.
“The ICC T20 World Cup in the US was big a flop in terms of playing conditions and also it exceeded budget, the auditing is still being done,” an ICC board member told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“What broke the camel’s back was Champions Trophy where as CEO, he was supposed to give a clear picture about readiness of Pakistan to host a tourney of such magnitude,” he added.
The 57-year-old Allardice, who played 14 First-Class matches in Australia, joined the ICC in 2012 as General Manager of Cricket. He had earlier worked as the Cricket Operations Manager for Cricket Australia. Allardice became ICC’s CEO in November 2021.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“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 announcing his departure.
“I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges,” he added.
ICC chair Jay shah thanks Allardice
ICC Chair Jay Shah thanked Allardice for his efforts that " played a key role in advancing cricket globally".
“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.