England cricket: Richard Thompson term as ECB chair extended

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chair Richard Thompson has been reappointed until September 2028.

The ECB’s non-executive directors chose unanimously to extend Thompson’s tenure, which had been set to expire in September 2027.

Since being appointed in 2022, Thompson has overseen the sale of the franchises in The Hundred and presided over the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket.

The move follows changes made to the body’s articles of association last year, which altered the chair’s term from five years to three, with a maximum of two terms.

“Richard is respected throughout the game,” said Katie Bickerstaffe, the ECB’s senior independent director, who led the reappointment process.

“The board and the wider game is fully supportive of his agenda to become the most inclusive team sport, grow and unite the game, and to lead cricket through a period of global transformation.”

Thompson will oversee the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is to be held in England, alongside the introduction of overseas ownership in The Hundred next season.

The former Surrey chair also sits on the International Cricket Council’s Olympics working group, with the sport set to return to the Games in Los Angeles in 2028, and chairs the body’s global growth committee.

“I’m honoured to be able to continue serving the game I care so passionately about,” said Thompson.

“Whether it’s growing participation and breaking down barriers or supporting our professional game and England teams, I’ll continue to work closely with our stakeholders to deliver a game that truly reflects and inspires our communities.”