Key Takeaways
- Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird resigns amid backlash over BBL privatisation.
- David Boon appointed as interim CA Chair ahead of annual meeting.
- Cricket NSW withdrew support for Baird over the sale of the Melbourne Renegades franchise.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird announced his resignation on Monday, following a backlash over the partial privatisation of the Big Bash Twenty20 competition (Dawn Sport).
Baird stated in a statement, 'After much consideration I have decided to stand down as CA Chair and Director. I believe Australian cricket continues to be well lead by the CA Board.'
Cricket NSW withdrew its support for Baird after Cricket Australia proceeded with the sale of the struggling Melbourne Renegades franchise, according to Dawn Sport.
Cricket Australia has named former Test opener David Boon as the interim CA Chair, effective after the annual general meeting in late October (ESPN Cricinfo).
Boon, known for his bushy moustache, has held various positions in Australian cricket, including national team selector and state cricket administrator.
Boon expressed his honour in taking the interim role, stating, 'It is an enormous honour to take the role of Interim CA Chair during what is a hugely exciting and also challenging time for cricket.'
Cricket Australia has been seeking private investment in the domestic Twenty20 competition to secure the game's financial future, but privatisation has faced significant opposition.
While some state associations, such as Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania, supported the idea, New South Wales and Queensland rejected it, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue (Dawn Sport).
After much consideration I have decided to stand down as CA Chair and Director.
Mike Baird, Former Cricket Australia Chair
It is an enormous honour to take the role of Interim CA Chair during what is a hugely exciting and also challenging time for cricket.
David Boon, Interim Cricket Australia Chair
