Former NSW Premier Mike Baird appointed next Chairman of Cricket Australia
Former NSW Premier Mike Baird has been appointed as the new Chairman of Cricket Australia (CA).
Key Point:
- Baird will take office next February
- He was NSW Premier from 2014 to 2017
- Dr. Henderson just became CA chairman earlier this year.
Baird will take up the role in February and his predecessor Lachlan Henderson will step down after returning to Perth.
In a CA statement, Mr Baird said: “Australian cricket has taken on such an important role at a time when there is so much exciting work being done to grow and advance our national sport. It’s an honor to carry on.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work more closely with CEO Nick Hockley, his team and everyone working in Australian cricket.”
Dr. Henderson will remain on the board of directors, but has decided to step down from the role of chairman after assuming the position of chief executive officer of health insurance company HBF.
Appointed only in February, he has overseen several key developments, including the David Warner saga.
The former WACA president took the job just weeks after Justin Langer quit as national men’s coach, overseeing Andrew Macdonald’s promotion to the role.
Australia has also completed men’s tours to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which have been hit hard amid security concerns.
But this home summer is more problematic, Over the past week, CA’s response to calls for the removal of Warner’s leadership has been heavily criticized..
Dr Henderson said, “The new role I have taken on in my hometown of Perth will make it difficult for me to devote the time I need as chairman, so I have decided that now is the right time to take over that role.
“It is a great honor to chair and help oversee some of the great work that is going on across the CA leadership and Australian cricket.”
Baird takes over at a time when new TV rights deals and player payment deals loom large over the next year.
The 54-year-old brings serious clout to the role, considering he was NSW’s Premier from 2014 to 2017.
He previously spent a year on the Board of Cricket NSW before moving to the role of CA Director as State nominee in 2020.
Baird was then unanimously approved as the new chairman by his fellow California board members and the state chairman.
AAP
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-11/cricket-australia-mike-baird-appointed-chair/101759032 Former NSW Premier Mike Baird appointed next Chairman of Cricket Australia