Richard Thompson will continue as the chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) until 2028, following unanimous reappointment by the board’s independent directors. This decision comes after a recent revision to the ECB’s governance rules, which now limits the chair’s term to two three-year stints.
Thompson initially took on the role in 2022 with a five-year term. However, earlier this year, ECB members approved changes to the board’s articles of association, redefining the chair’s term structure. Now eligible to serve two separate three-year terms, Thompson has been confirmed early for a second term that will run through September 2028.
The move signals a vote of confidence in Thompson’s leadership as English cricket prepares for several transformative projects—including the sale of equity in The Hundred and hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026.
“Richard is respected throughout the game,” said Katie Bickerstaffe, the ECB’s senior independent director who oversaw the reappointment process. “The board and the wider game fully support his vision to make cricket the most inclusive team sport, grow and unite the game, and guide it through a period of global transformation.”
Thompson, who formerly chaired Surrey County Cricket Club, has been a central figure alongside ECB chief executive Richard Gould in pushing the sale of equity in The Hundred—a move expected to generate around £500 million in funding for the sport.
Reflecting on his reappointment, Thompson said:
“I’m honoured to be able to continue serving the game I care so passionately about. Whether it’s increasing participation, breaking down barriers, or supporting the professional game and England teams, I’ll continue to work closely with all stakeholders to build a game that truly reflects and inspires our communities.
“I’m grateful to the board for their trust and to everyone in the cricket family for their continued support.”
Thompson’s second term promises to be a crucial one as the ECB navigates a rapidly changing global cricketing landscape, from commercial ventures like The Hundred to broader inclusion and engagement initiatives across the sport.
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