Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird is stepping down after failing to secure unanimous support for his leadership amid an ongoing dispute over the proposed privatisation of Big Bash League teams.
Baird told directors he would not seek reappointment and will resign after Monday’s annual general meeting. Former Australia batter David Boon will serve as interim chair while a process to appoint a permanent successor begins.
Baird has spent six years as a Cricket Australia director, including three years as chair. He was understood to have the backing of most state associations to continue, but not Cricket NSW.
He had been planning to leave within the next six months but brought forward his departure after the lack of unanimous support. Baird also offered to remain on the board as an independent director, a proposal rejected by NSW.
The decision follows months of disagreement between Baird and Cricket NSW chair John Knox over the future ownership of the Big Bash League.
Cricket Australia is proceeding with plans to put the Melbourne Renegades up for sale, with other franchises expected to follow. Cricket NSW has remained firmly opposed to private ownership.
In a statement, Baird thanked the sport’s supporters, including fans, volunteers, club cricketers and umpires.
“This year CA will report record revenue, profit, attendance and viewership, and most importantly a 40 per cent increase in participation over the past four years,” he said.
“With recent decisions on the Big Bash, I also believe the long-term sustainability is assured.”
Baird also praised Australia’s players and the captains he worked with, naming Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, Alyssa Healy and Sophie Molineux.
He expressed confidence in Cricket Australia’s board and thanked chief executive Todd Greenberg, describing him as “the best sports administrator in the country”.
