Cricket Ireland has confirmed that long-serving Chief Executive Officer Warren Deutrom will step down at the end of August, marking the close of a remarkable 19-year tenure that has overseen the most significant period of growth in the history of Irish cricket.
Deutrom, who joined Cricket Ireland in 2006, has been widely credited with guiding the sport from the amateur margins into the global elite. Under his leadership, Ireland gained Full Member and Test status of the International Cricket Council in 2017, a distinction held by just 12 of the ICC’s 108 member nations.
Reflecting on his decision, Deutrom said stepping down after nearly two decades was emotional, but timely.
“It has felt more like a vocation and a true labour of love than a mere job,” he said.
“Securing Full Membership and Test status is something I’ll forever be proud of.”
“With the sport now preparing for a World Cup, improved funding, and permanent infrastructure, I believe the foundations are there for a bright future.”
A respected administrator with nearly 30 years in the sport, he previously worked for both the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board. He currently serves on multiple international committees, including the ICC Chief Executives Committee, and chairs the European T20 Premier League.
During his time as CEO, Cricket Ireland introduced a central contracts system for both men and women, secured major international fixtures, and guided the organisation through major challenges, including the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The most powerful memories I’ll take with me are of our Irish cricket family, the kind people, the mentors, colleagues, and friends I’ve been privileged to work with,” he added.
Cricket Ireland Chair Brian MacNeice paid tribute to Deutrom’s vision and resilience.
“The measure of any CEO is whether they’ve left the organisation in a better place. Warren has done that and more,” he said. “His passion for Irish cricket has been unwavering. He took over an embryonic organisation and turned it into a credible force in world cricket.”
MacNeice also pointed to ongoing legacy projects, including the development of a national stadium and Ireland’s role as co-host of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as evidence of the momentum Deutrom leaves behind.
“He leaves with not just achievements, but with optimism and structure for the years ahead,” MacNeice said. “On behalf of everyone at Cricket Ireland, we thank him and wish him and his family the very best.”
On a personal level, Warren has been a friend, and a great supporter of what we have done. Having shared many a stage and a table down the years his absence will be keenly felt but what he leaves behind is a legacy that any sports administrator could be justifiably proud of. We only wish himself and his family the very best of luck in the next chapter.
Cricket Ireland will now begin the search for Deutrom’s successor through a comprehensive recruitment process, with the goal of building on the solid foundations laid over the past two decades.
Deutrom will formally depart his role at the end of August 2025.
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