Arabic version: مايك بيرد يستقيل من رئاسة كريكت أستراليا

According to ABC News, Mike Baird has quit as Cricket Australia chair after Cricket NSW declined to support its representative following fallout over the privatisation of Big Bash League clubs. David Boon will take over as interim chair.

Baird, the former NSW premier, told fellow Cricket Australia board members on Monday that he would not seek re-election at next month’s annual general meeting. He had been on the Cricket Australia board for six years and had served as chair since February 2023.

The decision followed Baird’s loss of backing from Cricket NSW, described as the country’s most powerful state association. Cricket NSW was unhappy with the decision to allow private investment in the Big Bash League, and Baird had represented NSW on the Cricket Australia board.

Baird recently approached Cricket NSW to confirm whether it would support him in the circumstances. He had the option of moving into an independent role, but said he did not wish to continue without state support. Boon will lead Cricket Australia on an interim basis.