Baird resigns as Cricket Australia chair amid BBL fallout

Baird, the former NSW premier, informed the board on Monday 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.

"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.

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.

"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."

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."