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Cricket Australia has suffered a major setback as Mike Baird has resigned as chairman after losing the support of Cricket New South Wales. The decision comes amid a major disagreement over plans to bring private investors into the Big Bash League (BBL).
Baird, the former New South Wales premier, has been leading Cricket Australia since February 2023. However, his push to allow private investors to buy stakes in BBL teams has divided the state cricket associations, forcing him to step down ahead of CA’s annual meeting next month. Amid this, Virat Kohli becomes fastest to reach 15,000 ODI runs in 1st ODI vs West Indies.
Mike Baird resigned as Cricket Australia Chairman amid BBL row
Mike Baird approved a plan earlier this month that would allow state cricket associations to sell stakes in their Big Bash League teams to private investors. The main aim was to attract big-name players, increase Australia’s T20 league’s popularity, and help the BBL compete with India’s Indian Premier League (IPL) on the global stage.
However, Cricket NSW, led by chairman John Knox, opposed the plan and withdrew its support for Baird to continue as its nominee for another three-year term. NSW also rejected a proposal to make Baird Cricket Australia’s interim director until a new chairman was appointed.
After which, Baird informed Cricket Australia that he would not seek re-election at the AGM in late October. Although the other states reportedly supported Baird’s move to an independent board position, which could have allowed him to remain the CA chairman, he did not want to continue without unanimous support.
Mike Baird issues emotional statement
Mike Baird said in an official statement as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, "After much consideration I have decided to stand down as CA chair and director. I am delighted that David Boon has agreed to undertake the interim chair role while we complete the formal chair process, and I will undertake a transition process with David over the coming weeks.
He thanked the Australian players and CEO Todd Greenberg for their support and role in the game's development in the country. He called Greenberg Australia's best sports administrator and is confident that he will set up cricket for success for generations to come.
Baird added, “I have been incredibly proud to play a role in the oversight of cricket on the CNSW board and, over the last six years, the CA board, including almost four as chair." Amid this, David Miller’s 142 vs Australia: All the records broken by South Africa star.
David Boon reacts after taking over as Cricket Australia's Interim Chairman
Former Australian Test batter David Boon is set to take over as Cricket Australia's interim chairman at the annual meeting next month. Boon will lead the governing body while the search for a permanent chairman takes place. The Australian board will now have to find a new leader after Baird's exit.
Boon stated, “It is an enormous honor to take the role of interim CA chair during what is a hugely exciting and also challenging time for cricket. I look forward to leading the CA board as we continue to make decisions that ensure the long-term health and prosperity of the game here and advancing Australia's interests globally.”
The interim chairman added, “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mike for his commitment and leadership as a passionate advocate for Australian cricket from grassroots clubs right through to the Cricket Australia and ICC board rooms and all in between. Mike's efforts to lead Australian cricket, confront the many difficult decisions facing cricket, and his influential role at the ICC should be appreciated by everyone throughout the game.”
BBL privatisation row intensifies as Cricket Australia refuses to back down
The proposal to bring private investors into the Big Bash League has received different responses from state cricket associations. Cricket Victoria plans to sell a 100 percent stake in the Melbourne Renegades before the start of the 2027 season.
Cricket Tasmania, which owns the Hobart Hurricanes, and Western Australia Cricket, which controls the Perth Scorchers, have reportedly considered selling only minority stakes.
But Cricket NSW has strongly opposed selling stakes in its two teams, the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. Queensland Cricket currently wants to retain the Brisbane Heat, while the South Australian Cricket Association has not yet presented a proposal to sell the Adelaide Strikers to its board.
The debate has also raised concerns about private ownership in the game, with fears that a stronger focus on financial returns could lead to excessive commercialization and reduce the importance of on-field performance.
Baird's resignation has now added to the growing debate over the future ownership and direction of the BBL. But CA stressed that the privatization process will continue.
