Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
It is with sadness and gratitude that WA Cricket announces Christina Matthews, one of Australia’s most respected and decorated sporting administrators, has resigned as its Chief Executive Officer.
Over the past 12 years, Ms Matthews has presided over a transformative and successful period that has made WA Cricket the envy of the game in Australia.
On-field, WA teams have won an unparalleled 14 elite-level titles across all five of Australia’s women’s and men’s domestic competitions during Ms Matthews’ tenure. Additionally, 31 Western Australian players have represented Australia across all formats during this period.
Ms Matthews’ legacy will be equally as strong off-field, highlighted by the commencement of the $163.4 million WACA Ground Improvement Project, which will revitalise the venue into a sporting and community hub with cricket at its heart. The Project has been made possible by the successful transition of men’s international and Big Bash League cricket to Optus Stadium since 2018.
Her tenure has also seen the establishment and evolution of the WA Cricket Foundation, providing opportunities for thousands of disadvantaged people annually to improve their physical and social outcomes through cricket. This sits alongside continued growth in broader grassroots programs and delivery of many other social, health and community outcomes.
Much of this success came during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Ms Matthews steered the organisation through difficulties created by lost content and travel restrictions. This included the drought-breaking 2021-22 Marsh Sheffield Shield victory, the first title in the men’s ‘six-peat’ across two seasons.
Ms Matthews’ outstanding leadership has been recognised with numerous accolades, most notably via her induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023, as SportWest’s Sports Administrator of the Year in 2021 and as the Australian Institute of Management’s Not for Profit Leader of the Year in 2016.
Prior to her distinguished tenure at WA Cricket, Ms Matthews was best known as Australia’s most capped female Test cricketer (20 appearances from 1984 to 1995) and the world record holder for the most dismissals by a wicket keeper in Tests (58), both which remain unsurpassed today. Additionally, she played 47 ODIs, was a former national selector and spent nine years at Cricket NSW.
Ms Matthews’ final day will be Thursday, March 28, 2024. The WACA Board will commence a thorough process to appoint the next CEO.
Christina Matthews, outgoing WA Cricket CEO, said:
“It has been a privilege to lead WA Cricket for the past 12 years and work alongside some of the best players, coaches, and staff in the game.
“I am humbled by what we have achieved, from the elite to community level, and am proud to be stepping aside with the game in excellent health.
“This decision has not come easily, but it is the right time for me to close this chapter. That said, I have been connected to cricket for over 50 years and look forward to enjoying the game I love in new ways.
“I also love my adopted home of Perth and am a proud Western Australian. My first port of call will be to take a break and experience what our great state has to offer.
Avril Fahey, WACA Chair, said:
“The WACA Board, WA Cricket players and staff, and the game in Western Australia extends its sincerest thanks to Christina Matthews for her unwavering dedication, hard work, and strength to make cricket a sport for all.
“She will be greatly missed by the Board, Members, staff, players, and partners alike and we look forward to following her continued success.
“Christina’s record speaks for itself – 14 trophies, increased Australian player representation, commencement of the WACA Ground Improvement Project, formation of the WA Cricket Foundation and with the organization in strong financial and reputational health.
“We look forward to building on Christina’s significant legacy within the game and following her continued success in whatever she does next.
“The WACA Board will now begin the search for WA Cricket’s next CEO. It is our priority to find the best individual to lead, while still maintaining a stable and effective organisation.”
