Baird resigns as Cricket Australia chair amid BBL fallout

David Boon will take the role in an interim capacity at the AGM in late October while a long-term successor is appointed

Mike Baird has resigned as chair of Cricket Australia after losing the support of his home state New South Wales amid the push to privatise the BBL.

Baird, the former NSW premier, informed the board that he would not seek reelection at the CA AGM in late October. He has been chair since February 2023. David Boon will come in as interim chair at the AGM while the process is run to find a permanent successor.

Baird is currently NSW's nomination to the CA board, but the state told him he would no longer have their backing and neither would they support him for one of the independent seats.RelatedBig Bash privatisation: Inside how Melbourne Renegades will be sold

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Cricinfo understands that all the other states supported Baird in moving to one of the independent seats which would have enabled him to remain as chair, but he did not want to continue without unanimous backing. It's also understood that Baird had been looking to step down during next year.

"After much consideration I have decided to stand down as CA chair and director," Baird said in a statement. "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."

Cricinfo has been told that Baird's decision does not affect the BBL priviatisation process which the CA board approved earlier this month and is set to see Melbourne Renegades be the first club to be sold, potentially before the end of the year.

Baird and CA CEO Todd Greenberg have led the push to bring private money into the BBL with a "self determination" model allowing each state to decide their own course.

However, there remain significant divides in the game over the process. NSW have long been the strongest opponents arguing that, if the game needs to raise more money, there are other ways to do it rather than pursing private investment.

"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," Baird said. "I also want to thank the Australian players, and especially the captains I worked closely with Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, Alyssa Healy and Sophie Molineux, who have not just inspired on the field with their results, but shown future generations what it means to have character.

"I believe Australian cricket continues to be well lead 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 departure from CA will also see him relinquish his ICC role where he has formed a close working relationship with chair Jay Shah.

Boon, the former Australia batter who played 107 Tests, was appointed to the CA board in 2025. He was previously an ICC match referee and a member of Australia's selection panel from 2000-2011.

"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.

"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."