cricexec’s feature this week – “Meet the ICC CEC Candidates” — spotlights the eight Associate Member chiefs contesting for three seats on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC).
Sarah Gomersall is currently the CEO of Jersey Cricket
cricexec’s question: What is one of the most pressing issues facing the cricket world today and what should be done to address it?
One of the most pressing issues facing the cricket world today is the need for the ICC to fully enable its new leadership and restore credibility as a modern, effective, and inclusive governing body. With fresh leadership in place, the ICC has an opportunity to shake off the inertia of recent years and re-establish itself as a proactive, strategic force – one that is aligned internally, confident externally, and clear in its global purpose.
The effectiveness of the ICC is often a topic for debate. In recent years, governance questions have persisted, decision-making has often appeared reactive, and the organisation has struggled to assert itself amid the competing demands of members, leagues, and commercial partners. It must now respond with urgency and clarity – not just to rebuild trust, but to lead the game through a period of historic change.
The key lies in enabling the leadership to function at pace. This requires recruiting fresh talent, ensuring internal teams are fit-for-purpose, and investing in core capabilities such as technology, digital infrastructure, strategy and member engagement. The ICC cannot meet the demands of a complex global sport with constrained resources and underpowered staffing. Internally, the culture needs re-energising: that means creating space for new thinking, improving employee engagement, and addressing pockets of inertia that are holding progress back. When the leadership is aligned and confident, the rest of the organisation will follow. Culture change starts from the top.
Diversity must be part of that reset. The ICC continues to lag behind most major organisations and sporting bodies in female representation – especially in its senior leadership and decision making structures. This is not only out of step with where the sports industry is heading, but inconsistent with the ICC’s own stated strategic priority for women’s cricket. It’s an uncomfortable reality and now is the time to close that gap. Progress on the field must be matched by progress off it, because credibility depends on it.
Externally, the stakes are equally high. Cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games is a huge opportunity – but only if its benefits are truly globalised. The ICC can be honest about the limitations of Olympic reach among its members and proactively support those outside the Olympic ecosystem who are inside the cricketing world. Development funding, tailored programming, and member-specific pathways will be essential. Otherwise, the Olympic moment risks being symbolic, rather than strategic.
Above all, the ICC needs to clarify what it stands for and how it leads. Governance reform, consistency of enforcement, transparency and clarity in decision-making are essential to rebuild confidence in the organisation. The ICC should not try to do everything – but it must do the right things well, and with purpose.
Cricket needs a governing body that is modern, inclusive, decisive, and globally minded. And with new leadership at the helm of the ICC, this is a timely opportunity to move forward with purpose – to refresh the ICC’s voice, re-energise its people, and restore its influence on the global stage. Like many across the cricketing world, I’m hopeful this next chapter will bring the clarity, momentum, and ambition the sport deserves.
Bio:
About Me – A Strategic Leader with a Global View
As the current CEO of Jersey Cricket and a Non-Executive Director before that, I’ve seen firsthand how ICC decisions affect federations of all sizes. My career spans over 25 years across global leadership roles – from top tier HR and transformation work in multinational environments, to driving growth and governance in high performance and grassroots sport.
I bring board level experience, international credibility, and a practical, culturally intelligent approach to partnership and decision making. At the core of my leadership is a belief in fairness, accountability, and impact. I’m not a politician by nature – I’m a changemaker. I believe it’s time for a woman to bring a fresh voice, informed by experience and rooted in action, to the ICC leadership.
Why I’m Standing – and Why You Should Vote for Me
• Experience at the Helm of an ICC Associate Member Federation – CEO of Jersey Cricket, one of Europe’s most successful smaller federations – with real-world insight into funding pressures, structural challenges, and the resilience required to compete globally.
• A Track Record of Delivery – On and Off the Field – Grew commercial revenues, introduced live broadcasting, hosted ICC tournaments, elevated women’s cricket, and strengthened fan engagement – while ensuring sound governance.
• Influence Without Ego – I know how to open doors and speak to the right people. I’ve built strong relationships within the ICC and across the cricketing world, advocating with credibility and purpose.
• A Global, Consultative Perspective – From leading cultural transformations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to advising leaders across 18 countries, I’ve worked internationally since 1999. I understand how to balance global strategy with local realities.
• A Voice for Change – Even though the ICC has identified women’s cricket as a strategic priority, women are under-represented at ICC Committee level. It’s time to change that.
Representation at the top isn’t a gesture – it’s how we futureproof the game. I will listen to you. I will bring a different, informed voice to the table – and use it constructively.
Career Highlights
Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Cricket (2023–Present)
– Increased commercial funding and reduced revenue risk
– Elevated women’s cricket with professional standards and parity
– Embedded a strong governance culture and increased transparency with stakeholders
– Delivered franchise style events for mens and womens cricket, and streamed cricket to new audiences
– Secured a development series with Zimbabwe Cricket (2024), Antigua and Barbuda (2025)
– Mentor ICC 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme 2024-2025
General Secretary and Vice President, European Cricket Association (2025–Present)
– Member of the working group which re-established a regional body for cricket in Europe
– Organising, developing and promoting the game of cricket in Europe
– Strengthening communication and cooperation across European federations
Chief People Officer, Equiom Group (2017–2023)
– Board member in a global firm operating across 18 locations
– Led cultural transformation, executive transitions, and multiple M&A activities
– Designed global leadership frameworks and strengthened governance
HR Leadership Across Global Firms & Regions (1999–2017)
– Held senior leadership roles in tech, financial services, and regulated environments
– Delivered operational restructuring, people strategy, and organisational transformation
– Advised Boards through growth, change, and crisis
A vote for me is a vote for credible, inclusive, forward-thinking leadership.
We can’t afford to stand still – I will bring more collaboration, clarity, and a commitment to progress.
Candidate Position Statement:
With new leadership in place, the ICC has a real opportunity to move forward – bringing fresh energy, clarity of purpose, and a more inclusive approach to how the game is governed. I’m standing as a changemaker with global experience and a pragmatic Associate Member perspective – someone in a CEO seat, who believes in fairness, progress, and the power of diverse voices around the table. This is a moment to reimagine what leadership in cricket can look like, and I’m ready to play a constructive role in shaping that future.
