In a move widely expected for some time, Geoff Allardice has stepped down as chief executive as the International Cricket Council continues its overhaul amid the ascension of powerful administrator Jay Shah.

Allardice, a former Australian First-Class cricketer, had been with the ICC since 2012 and rose to the top position in 2021 after replacing Manu Sawhney, who was ousted after an ongoing saga.

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Allardice’s position had been under shaky ground after an inquiry was launched over whether there was a cost blowout for the U.S. leg of June’s T20 World Cup. There had been innuendo that Allardice might be dumped from the role late last year, but he survived.

There has been a shake of senior positions in the ICC, with Alex Marshall (anti-corruption), Chris Tetley (events) and Claire Furlong (marketing and communications) departing in recent months.

Focus will now turn to who will be Allardice’s successor. Late last year, when Allardice’s future appeared tenuous, Sanjog Gupta, Disney Star head of sports, had been bandied around as a possible replacement, according to industry sources.

The ICC board will “initiate the next steps to identify a replacement”, according to an ICC statement.

Allardice had cut a relatively low-key presence in the role in much the same vein as recently departed chair Greg Barclay. Some power brokers had believed Allardice was too timid in a notable change of leadership style to the feisty Sawhney, who ruled with an iron fist.

But Allardice did chalk up some momentous feats during his tenure marked by cricket’s long-held desire to move into the American sports market. Along with the U.S. hosting last year’s T20 World Cup, cricket will end a 128-year Olympic drought at the Los Angeles Olympics.

He also helped oversee the World Test Championship, which has been widely hailed as a success and helped revitalize the traditional five-day format.

“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.

“I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges. I am confident that cricket has exciting times ahead.”

Allardice’s departure comes at a time when the ICC is moulding in the image of Shah, the most influential figure in cricket.

Shah has hit the ground running since taking over from Barclay in December and along with Allardice had recently met with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“On behalf of the ICC board, I want to sincerely thank Geoff for his leadership and commitment during his tenure as chief executive,” Shah said.

“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.”