Dame Therese Walsh has been appointed Chair of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 Tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Currently serving as Chair of Air New Zealand and ASB Bank, Dame Therese also previously held the role of Chair at TVNZ and served as a Director of New Zealand Cricket. She played a significant role in major international sporting events, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015 co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, as well as the IRB Men’s Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
In her new role, Dame Therese will lead a Board that includes the Chairs and CEOs of both Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket, alongside independent director Peter Varghese AO. Varghese, a former senior Australian diplomat and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, currently serves as Chancellor of The University of Queensland.
Speaking on her appointment, Dame Therese Walsh said she was honoured to be part of one of the world’s premier sporting events and looked forward to welcoming cricketing nations from around the globe for a truly Trans-Tasman celebration of the game.
Dame Therese also confirmed the appointment of Joel Morrison as Chief Executive Officer of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028. Morrison will join the Local Organising Committee from Cricket Australia, where he has served as Executive General Manager – Events and Operations since September 2022.
During his tenure at Cricket Australia, Morrison oversaw the strategy, delivery and commercial performance of international cricket in the country, a period that witnessed record-breaking attendance across major matches.
He brings extensive experience in sports leadership and major events, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Northern Territory Cricket, interim Head of the Big Bash Leagues, and worked in key roles with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, the 2014 T20 Champions League, and the Australian Football League.
Commenting on his appointment, Joel Morrison said it was a privilege to lead the 2028 T20 World Cup and an exciting opportunity to help deliver a global sporting spectacle.
He noted that World Cups hold a special place in the sporting calendar, particularly when hosted at home, as they have the power to unite communities and inspire generations. Morrison also highlighted that the tournament will be the largest cricket World Cup ever held in the southern hemisphere, providing a unique platform to showcase the region, the strong Trans-Tasman relationship between Australia and New Zealand, and the global impact of cricket.
Further announcements related to tournament milestones, ticketing, and host city activities are expected to be made in the coming months.
