Financial mismanagement? ICC CEO quits amid T20 world cup audit, stadium delays

New Delhi: With just three weeks remaining for the ICC Champions Trophy, International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Geoff Allardice has stepped down from his role. The announcement was made late Tuesday night through an official media release by ICC Chairman Jay Shah.

While no formal reason was cited for his resignation, sources indicate that Allardice was under pressure from the ICC board due to alleged financial mismanagement during the T20 World Cup in the USA last year, as well as the ongoing chaos surrounding the Champions Trophy preparations.

Financial mismanagement and stadium delays under scrutiny

According to reports, Allardice faced scrutiny over his handling of funds during the 2024 T20 World Cup. The audit for the event is still ongoing, with several uncomfortable questions being raised about financial discrepancies.

Additionally, Allardice reportedly failed to inform the board about major venue issues in Pakistan. The Champions Trophy, set to be hosted in the country, has encountered significant setbacks due to delays in stadium renovations. The Rawalpindi and Karachi venues, crucial for the tournament, are not yet ready, which has further fueled concerns within the ICC board.

“The ICC board was not happy with the lack of transparency regarding the stadiums in Pakistan. The venues are being revamped but remain unprepared with just weeks left for the tournament,” a source close to the matter revealed to TOI.

ICC Set for major restructuring

Following Allardice’s sudden exit, the ICC is expected to undergo a significant internal restructuring. The official statement from the ICC has not confirmed whether his resignation is effective immediately, but it does confirm that steps will be taken to identify his successor soon.

"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," ICC Chairman Jay Shah stated.

With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, Allardice’s resignation has left the cricketing world in shock, raising concerns about the ICC’s stability and its ability to manage high-profile global tournaments effectively.