Warren Deutrom to Step Down as Cricket Ireland CEO After 19 Years of Transformational Leadership
Deutrom leaves behind a legacy of historic achievements, including Ireland’s elevation to Test status and ICC Full Membership
DUBLIN — After nearly two decades at the helm, Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Ireland, has announced his decision to step down from the role at the end of August 2025. Appointed in December 2006, Deutrom’s 19-year journey has been a remarkable era for Irish cricket, marked by monumental achievements and unprecedented growth.
His leadership tenure oversaw Ireland's evolution from an Associate Member to a Full Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017, a landmark achievement that placed Irish cricket on the global map and gave the country the right to play Test cricket.
A Defining Era for Irish Cricket
“It’s hard to explain my feelings since making this decision – the role of Cricket Ireland CEO has covered more than a third of my life and two-thirds of my professional career. It has felt more like a vocation and a true labour of love than a mere job,” Deutrom said in a heartfelt statement on Thursday.
He called the attainment of ICC Full Membership and Test status the crowning achievement of his career. From giant-killing World Cup performances to establishing professional structures for both men’s and women’s cricket, Deutrom’s leadership has left Irish cricket in a much stronger position.
Milestones Under Warren Deutrom’s Leadership
- 2007: Ireland stuns Pakistan in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and makes it to Super 8s
- 2011 & 2015: Regular World Cup appearances bolster Ireland’s global reputation
- 2017: Ireland granted Test status and Full ICC Membership, joining cricket’s elite
- 2018: Ireland plays its inaugural Test match against Pakistan in Dublin
- 2023: Full central contracts rolled out for men and women players
- 2024: Ireland named co-host of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup along with England and Scotland
Deutrom also laid the groundwork for future infrastructure, including the development of a permanent stadium and the European T20 Premier League, of which he is the current chair.
A Legacy Built on Vision and Resilience
Warren Deutrom joined Cricket Ireland during a time when the organisation was still embryonic, lacking infrastructure and international recognition. He played a pivotal role in transitioning Irish cricket into a professional sport, establishing contract systems, securing sponsorships, and navigating challenges including the 2008 financial crash and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also held influential roles outside Cricket Ireland, including:
- Member of the ICC Chief Executives Committee
- Chair of the European T20 Premier League
- Member of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee
- Service on Irish Sport Anti-Doping and Olympic Council of Ireland panels
Recruitment for Successor Underway
Cricket Ireland confirmed that a comprehensive recruitment process is being initiated to select Deutrom’s successor. The board aims to find a leader with a forward-thinking approach focused on growth, commercial sustainability, gender equity, and global competitiveness.
“The measure of success for any CEO is: have they left the organisation in a better place than they found it. There is no doubt that Warren has achieved that,” said Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland.
“He ends his tenure with not only a list of achievements but several substantial projects in development – such as the stadium and co-hosting of the T20 World Cup – that suggest a bright future for Irish cricket.”
What's Next for Irish Cricket?
The next CEO will inherit an organisation on the cusp of another transformation. With:
- Co-hosting rights for the 2026 T20 World Cup
- Permanent infrastructure projects in the pipeline
- European T20 League soon to be launched
- Ongoing efforts to grow women’s cricket and increase youth participation
… the roadmap set by Deutrom presents both a solid foundation and a promising future.
Deutrom’s Parting Words: A Community Close to His Heart
While acknowledging the magnitude of the decision, Deutrom expressed immense gratitude to the “Irish cricket family”:
“The most powerful memories I’ll take with me are of our Irish cricket family – the good people, the kind people, the mentors, the taskmasters, the wonderful colleagues, and the countless friends I am privileged to have made along the way.”
He added that he plans to thank as many colleagues and stakeholders as possible before his final day in August.
Conclusion: An Era Ends, Another Begins
Warren Deutrom’s departure marks the end of a defining chapter in Irish cricket. From underdog victories to Test status, from grassroots development to co-hosting a World Cup — he has turned dreams into milestones. As Irish cricket enters a new phase, it does so with confidence, infrastructure, global respect, and a legacy built by a visionary leader who believed in its potential.