Photo Credit: Caribbean Premier League
The South Australian Cricket Association has announced General Manager, Cricket Tim Nielsen, will finish in the role at the end of the 2023/24 season, coming to the decision to mutually part ways following a disappointing season for the Redbacks.
Making the announcement, SACA President William Rayner paid tribute to Nielsen, saying his love of South Australian cricket was unquestionable and that SACA had been fortunate to have had his involvement for such a long period of time.
“Tim is widely respected, not just for his years of service, but for the passion and energy he has brought to his position and to the game of cricket,” Mr Rayner said.
“Tim transitioned from a Sheffield Shield winning player with South Australia to state and national coaching roles, and the management of our High-Performance Program. He has been a key figure in the emergence of players such as Travis Head, Darcie Brown, Alex Carey and Tahlia McGrath, on top of three Big Bash titles and some famous victories.”
Nielsen was appointed to the role of General Manager of High Performance in 2014, following three years developing young talent as the head of the Emerging Redbacks program.
During his tenure the Adelaide Strikers secured the BBL|07, WBBL|08 and WBBL|09 titles, the SA Scorpions delivered a maiden WNCL Championship in 2015 and South Australia made back-to-back Sheffield Shield Finals in 2015-16 and 2016-17 and back-to-back WNCL Finals in 2021-22 and 2022-23, as well as One-Day Cup Finals in 2015-16, 2017-18 and 2022-23.
Before that, Nielsen was Head Coach of the Australian Men’s Team for four years, a tenure that reinvigorated the national setup following the retirement of several all-time greats of the game. His achievements during this time included a Test Series win against India, a Champions Trophy triumph, and a consistent ranking as the top One Day team in the world.
Nielsen’s career encompasses more than 30 years as a highly respected player, coach, and administrator within South Australian and Australian cricket.
“Tim’s remarkable service as a player, coach and administrator speaks for itself and we wish him the very best in the next chapter of what’s been an impressive career,” Mr Rayner said.
Nielsen says that while his departure from the role signals the end of an era, it feels like the right time for a change.
“Ten years is a long time and I’m especially grateful for the many highs I have been fortunate to experience along the way. We always want to win more, but I am comfortable that I have given everything I can with my staff in the pursuit of consistently competitive teams at the domestic level and producing players that contribute to our National teams on the International stage,” Nielsen said.
“I will always be proud of the achievements shared with the playing group and I am grateful for the support I have enjoyed over the years.
“While you’d always prefer to end on a high, it feels like the right time for renewal, both for the SACA and for me personally. The SACA has been a significant part of my life for a long period and will be always part of my me. I will forever be grateful for the playing, coaching and administrative opportunities I have been afforded, and I hope that South Australian cricket can develop to the stage where we dominate the male and female game for a period of consistent success.”
SACA has announced it will undertake a global search process to appoint a replacement for Nielsen, who will continue in the role until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
