Richard Thompson reappointed as Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board

Richard Thompson has been reappointed as Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) until September 2028.

Mr Thompson was originally appointed in 2022 for one five-year term, expiring in September 2027. However, ECB Members voted earlier this year to revise the ECB’s Articles of Association, changing the term for a Chair from a five-year term to a three-year term, with a Chair able to serve a maximum of two three-year terms.

Changing to a three-year term brings the ECB in line with standard governance practice across other National Governing Bodies and the ECB’s own County Governance Framework.

The ECB’s Non-Executive Directors have now decided unanimously to reappoint Mr Thompson for a second three-year term, extending his period in office by one year.

On becoming Chair, Mr Thompson set out the vision for cricket to become the most inclusive team sport. The ECB has also invested record amounts into the professional and recreational counties, overseen the continued rapid growth of women’s and girls’ cricket and attracted world-leading investors into The Hundred with the proceeds set to underpin the whole game in England and Wales.

Katie Bickerstaffe, the ECB’s Senior Independent Director who led the reappointment process, said: “Richard is respected throughout the game. 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.”

The Board has decided to confirm Mr Thompson’s reappointment well in advance of the end of his current term to ensure stability and continuity ahead of a period when the ECB will be introducing the eight new investors into The Hundred and hosting the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2026. Mr Thompson is also a key figure in leading cricket back into the Olympics in 2028, sitting on the ICC Olympic Working Group and Chairing the ICC Global Growth Committee.

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

“I’m grateful to the Board for their confidence and to everyone across the cricketing family for their continued support.”