Decision Made Keeping Next 4-5 Years In Mind- CA Director Breaks Silence On Justin Langer Saga
Published - 08 Feb 2022, 02:58 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:04 AM
The Cricket Australia (CA) director Mike Baird has finally broken the silence over the ongoing saga of Justin Langer quitting as the Australia team head coach on February 5 by sending a resignation letter to the board.
Langer, who was expecting a full-length extension to his head coach contract of the Australian team, was only offered a six-month extension after June 2022, until the finals of the T20 World Cup 2022, which will be played at home. Langer, unhappy with the length offered, opted to resign from his post and sent an email to Cricket Australia, citing several reasons for his decision.
CA director and former NSW premier Mike Bair distanced himself from the board following their decision to offer a short-term extension to Justin Langer, calling it the decision of CA chief, Nick Hockley. Hockley said during his press conference on Saturday (February 5) that after a “lengthy discussion”, the board “was unanimous in endorsing the approach”.
It’s About The Next Four Years And He’s Made A Decision Considering All Stakeholders: Mike Baird On Not Renewing Justin Langer’s Contract For Full Term
Talking on 2GB, Baird refused to further elaborate on the board’s stance, but at the same time didn’t step away from the decision. Baird also said that the decision was taken by not keeping the last 4 years in mind, but the next 4 years.
“I’m not going to talk about the board meeting and I think my comments stand. I am very appreciative of who Justin Langer is, what he’s achieved. Obviously, cricket’s taken a decision for the next four years to move to a new coach.
The CEO has obviously run a process, it’s not about the last four years, it’s about the next four years and he’s made a decision considering all stakeholders,” Baird told 2GB.
Former Australian cricketers Mitchell Johnson, Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, and Matthew Hayden called the treatment meted out to Langer by CA as a disgrace and slammed the board for the way Langer was not trusted to be given a full contract renewal.
Baird further stated that both players, as well as team staff, were consulted before making a decision. Talking about how the decision was welcomed by the former Australian cricketers, Baird said that the reaction from past players to Langer quitting has been “disappointing”.
Baird said, “He’s decided to leave and of course, you respect that. I’ve got nothing but respect and thanks for the incredible memories of Justin Langer.”
