Cricket Australia have made at least 40 of its staffs redundant amid restructuring for a sustainable future after the hiatus due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The operational restructuring is expected to cut down cost up to AUD 40 million. However, the Cricbuzz reported that Senior men’s and women’s cricket as well as the domestic cricket, including the Sheffield Shield, Marsh Cup and the Big Bash League, will not be impacted with the plan.
Australia batting coach Graeme Hick is one of the most high profile name to face the axe. His axing follows that of chief executive Kevin Roberts, who recently filed his resignation, following criticism over his leadership role.
It is difficult time for our employees: Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings
Graeme Hick oversaw a period as batting coach of Australia in which he groomed premier Test player Steve Smith with numerous deliveries. The board chairman has said that it is hard time for the employees, especially those, whose roles have been made redundant. He has however, said that, it was their role to clear their path in a period of uncertainty.
“We recognise that this is a difficult time for Cricket Australia employees, particularly for those staff members affected by these redundancies and their families. However, our responsibility is clear: to navigate a path for cricket through this period of uncertainty and disruption to ensure we come out the other side sustainable in the short term and prosperous in the long term,” CA chairman Earl Eddings said.
The board has also decided to postpone the second division competition, including the U-15 and U-17 level matches, to next year.