Baird resigns as Cricket Australia chair amid BBL fallout

Cricket Australia (CA) is searching for a new leader after chair Mike Baird announced his resignation, triggered by a fierce backlash over the controversial decision to privatise the Big Bash League (BBL). Baird, the former New South Wales premier who has served as CA chair since February 2023, informed the board that he will not seek re-election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in late October. Australian cricket legend and former Test batter David Boon is set to step in as interim chair while a permanent successor is found. The Catalyst: The BBL Privatisation BattleThe resignation follows deep structural divides within Australian cricket regarding the board's push to bring private investment into the BBL. Earlier this month, the CA board approved a "self-determination" model enabling individual states to dictate their own commercial paths, with plans to sell off the Melbourne Renegades as the first franchise before the end of the year. While other state bodies ultimately backed the strategy, New South Wales (NSW) emerged as a vocal opponent. NSW argued that alternative avenues should be pursued to raise capital rather than introducing private equity. Because of his leadership in driving the reform alongside CA CEO Todd Greenberg, Baird lost the backing of his home state, which refused to support his nomination for a state or independent seat on the board. Although remaining states were willing to support him via an independent seat, Baird chose to step down rather than continue without unanimous backing. A Legacy of Record Growth and Strong TributesDespite the bitter political fallout surrounding the BBL, Baird leaves behind a robust financial ledger. In his departure statement, he noted that CA is tracking record revenue, profit, attendance, and viewership, alongside a 40% surge in participation over the past four years. He also expressed gratitude to national captains Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, Alyssa Healy, and Sophie Molineux, while praising CEO Todd Greenberg as the nation's premier sports administrator. Baird's exit also requires him to relinquish his high-profile role on the International Cricket Council (ICC) board, where he worked closely with ICC chair Jay Shah.David Boon Steps into the Interim RoleStepping into the breach is Australian cricket icon David Boon, who played 107 Tests and was appointed to the CA board in 2025 following stints as an ICC match referee and national selector. "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," Boon said. "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."Boon also paid tribute to Baird, praising his passion and leadership from grassroots clubs up to international boardrooms.Cricket Australia has confirmed that Baird's departure will not disrupt the ongoing BBL privatisation schedule, leaving Boon and Greenberg to steer the contentious commercial rollout through its next phase.