Mike Baird steps down as Cricket Australia chair amid BBL sale dispute

Mike Baird has stepped down as chair of Cricket Australia, bringing a sudden end to his tenure following a fierce dispute over the future of the Big Bash League. The departure of the former New South Wales premier marks the latest high-profile departure in Australian cricket governance, echoing past clashes between national administrators and state bodies over financial models and private investment.

According to 7news reporting, Baird formally informed directors that he would not seek re-appointment and would step down following Monday's annual general meeting. While Baird maintained majority support across other states, he lacked the unanimous backing required from New South Wales. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age reported that Baird was informed last week that Cricket NSW, chaired by John Knox, had withdrawn support for him to carry on as their nominee for another three-year term. The state also rejected a proposal for Baird to transition into an independent director role recently vacated by Sarah Adam-Gedge.

Media additions

The core of the fallout centers on the contentious move to introduce private ownership to the Big Bash League. Earlier this month, Cricket Australia announced that states could take BBL clubs to market under a "self-determination" model suggested by South Australia. Cricket Victoria is currently pushing to sell 100 per cent of the Melbourne Renegades by the end of this year. However, The Canberra Times noted a strongly worded statement from Cricket NSW warning that private investment risks leaving the sport strategically and financially worse off at the grassroots level.

Baird’s exit places him alongside former chairs David Peever and Earl Eddings, who also fell afoul of New South Wales administrators during their respective terms. Alongside chief executive Todd Greenberg, Baird had overseen a period of significant commercial growth. In his farewell remarks, Baird highlighted record revenue, profit, attendance, viewership, and a 40 per cent increase in participation over the past four years, alongside international tournament victories including the 2023 men's ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad and the women's T20 Cup win at Lord's.

"This year CA will report record revenue, profit, attendance and viewership, and most importantly a 40 per cent increase in participation over the past four years. With recent decisions on the Big Bash, I also believe the long-term sustainability is assured."

Mike Baird, outgoing chair, via 7NEWS

Beyond domestic affairs, Baird's departure creates an immediate vacancy at the International Cricket Council, where he chaired the financial and commercial affairs committee alongside global chair Jay Shah. With an ICC board meeting scheduled in Bali in November, the governing body may need to consider appointing a dedicated director to manage international relations separately from domestic duties.

Decorated former Test batsman David Boon will take over the reins as interim chair at next month's governing body AGM, becoming the most accomplished former player to hold the position since Sir Donald Bradman finished his second term in 1972.

"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. 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."

David Boon, interim chair, via The Sydney Morning Herald

As the sport looks to move past recent boardroom turbulence, broader sport governance discussions are expected to continue across state associations.

What to Watch Next

• Cricket Australia's upcoming annual general meeting next month, where David Boon will formally assume the interim chair role.
• Progress by Cricket Victoria and other state bodies regarding the sale of Big Bash League franchises ahead of the end-of-year target for the Melbourne Renegades.
• The International Cricket Council board meeting in Bali in November, which will require adjustments to CA's global representation following Baird's exit.