Nick Hockley replaces Kevin Roberts as Cricket Australia CEO on interim basis

CA chairman Earl Eddings informed that the board will conduct an international search for a new chief executive to lead the organisation as cricket prepares to spring back from the COVID-19 pandemic. The leadership change comes ahead of an operational reset for the organisation to be detailed later in the week. The Executive and Board have been preparing an amended FY21 plan in response to COVID-19 and to reinvigorate cricket in a changed operating environment.

“Cricket, like all national sports, has been going through a period of significant change and – in recent months we have had the added uncertainty delivered by COVID-19,” Eddings said. “The entire cricket community has been affected and difficult decisions have been – and will continue to be necessary – to ensure that cricket at every level is in the best shape it can be now and in the future.

ALSO READ: Cricket Australia set to part ways with CEO Kevin Roberts

“It is essential that Cricket Australia continues to provide strong leadership and works constructively with everyone who has an interest in the future of the game – the players, all employees, the state associations, commercial partners and supporters,” he added.

Eddings has also thanked Roberts for his service for the game during his eight years at CA, initially as a board member and more recently as Chief Executive – a period that saw Roberts contribute strongly to the highly successful Women’s T20 World Cup, record levels of funding directed to community cricket and breakthroughs in areas such as gender pay equity and participation.

“Kevin has worked tirelessly since taking on the role in difficult circumstances in 2018, and particularly during the challenges of the past few months,” Eddings stated. “He is a man of principle who has always put the best interests of cricket first. We wish him all the best for his future.”

Roberts said: “It’s been a privilege to lead and serve the sport I love as CEO of Cricket Australia. Our team of staff and players are outstanding people who contribute so much to the game and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

ALSO READ: Lisa Sthalekar opens up about casual racism growing up

“I’d like to thank the army of volunteers in communities across the country who are the lifeblood of our sport, enabling kids to experience the game and to dream about emulating their heroes in our national teams. As a lifelong and passionate member of the cricket community, I look forward to seeing the game thrive into the future,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hockley comes in bringing more than 13 years’ major event experience to the role. He was appointed as CEO of ICC T20 World Cup 2020 in 2017. His CV also boasts senior commercial roles with the organising committees of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). Before his work in major events, Hockley held senior corporate finance roles at PwC, where he also qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

Eddings said Hockley had earned the respect of the cricket community through his leadership of ICC T20 World Cup and would be able to hit the ground running. “We are optimistic about cricket’s present and its future and, together with our partners across the States and Territories and the players, we look forward to hosting a summer of cricket that will be great for the game and great for the nation,” he said.