Mike Baird will step down as Cricket Australia Chair following a breakdown in support from Cricket NSW amid divisions over the privatisation of Big Bash League clubs, with former Australian Test great David Boon appointed Interim Chair.
According to an official Cricket Australia release, Baird will leave the Cricket Australia Board at the governing body’s Annual General Meeting on October 28, ending a six-year tenure as a Director and nearly four years as Chair.
Boon, who joined the CA Board in 2025, will take over on an interim basis while Cricket Australia conducts a formal process to appoint a permanent Chair.
Baird’s departure comes weeks after Cricket Australia approved a “self-determination” model under which individual states can decide whether to pursue private investment in their BBL clubs.
Cricket NSW has been among the strongest opponents of BBL privatisation and reportedly withdrew its backing for Baird to continue as its nominee on the CA Board. According to multiple accounts, other states were reportedly prepared to support Baird moving into an independent Director position, but he opted not to continue without unanimous support.
Baird’s departure also comes shortly after he took over as Group CEO of the NRMA. The former NSW Premier was announced as the organisation’s new Chief Executive earlier this year and began in the role in late August, adding another major leadership position alongside his responsibilities at Cricket Australia.
“After much consideration I have decided to stand down as CA Chair and Director.
“I am delighted that David Boon has agreed to undertake the Interim Chair role while we complete the formal Chair process, and I will undertake a transition process with David over coming weeks.
“I have been incredibly proud to play a role in the oversight of cricket on the CNSW Board and, over the last six years, the CA Board, including almost four as Chair.
“I want to thank the fans, volunteers, club cricketers, and umpires who are the lifeblood of our game. This year CA will report record revenue, profit, attendance and viewership, and most importantly a 40% increase in participation over the past four years. With recent decisions on the Big Bash I also believe the long-term sustainability is assured.”
The BBL privatisation process is expected to continue despite Baird’s departure.
Cricket Australia and CEO Todd Greenberg have been leading the push to introduce private capital into the competition, while allowing states to determine individually whether and how they participate.
Cricket Victoria is moving ahead with plans to sell a 100% stake in the Melbourne Renegades, with new ownership expected to be in place for the 2027-28 WBBL and BBL seasons.
The disagreement has exposed wider tensions within Australian cricket over its financial model and governance structure. Former Cricket Australia Chair Wally Edwards recently publicly opposed the sale of BBL clubs and called for the states to replace the CA Board.
Baird, however, has continued to defend the decision to allow states to pursue private investment and expressed confidence in the governing body’s leadership.
“I believe Australian cricket continues to be well led by the CA Board. Their mix of significant experience and passion for the game gives me great confidence for the future.
“Finally, I want to thank the CEO Todd Greenberg. I believe Todd is the best sports administrator in the country, and he will undoubtedly set cricket up for success for generations to come.”
Baird’s exit will also have implications internationally. He has represented Australian cricket at the International Cricket Council and served as Chair of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, working closely with ICC Chair Jay Shah.
His departure therefore leaves Cricket Australia facing decisions over both its domestic leadership and its representation at the ICC at a time of significant change across the global game.
Boon, meanwhile, brings extensive playing, administrative and governance experience to the interim role.
The former Australian batter played 107 Tests and 181 ODIs between 1984 and 1996 and was part of Australia’s 1987 World Cup-winning side. Following his playing career, he served on Australia’s national selection panel from 2000 to 2011 and subsequently spent 14 years as an ICC Match Referee.
Boon also served for nine years on the Cricket Tasmania Board, including three years as Chair, before joining the Cricket Australia Board in February 2025.
“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.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mike for his commitment and leadership as a passionate advocate for Australian Cricket from grassroots clubs right through to the Cricket Australia and ICC Board Rooms and all in between.”
“Mike’s efforts to lead Australian Cricket, confront the many difficult decisions facing cricket and his influential role at the ICC should be appreciated by everyone throughout the game.”
Cricket NSW will now nominate a Director to replace Baird as its representative on the Cricket Australia Board, with former Australian Test opener and current Cricket NSW Director Ed Cowan reportedly set to be nominated.
Cricket Australia said its process to appoint a permanent Chair will take place in the months following the October AGM.
