In short:
Nick Hockley has announced he will leave Cricket Australia at the end of the summer.
Former NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, the current head of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, looms as a potential replacement.
What’s next?
Hockley told employees he plans to finish up at Cricket Australia in March.
Former NRL boss Todd Greenberg could loom as Cricket Australia’s next chief executive after Nick Hockley announced this summer would be his last in charge.
Hockley told employees on Tuesday he planned to exit his role next March, ending a stint that began in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis.
Greenberg is one option to replace Hockley, given he currently heads up the Australian Cricketers’ Association and has long impressed figures at Cricket Australia (CA).
James Allsopp, a former chief executive at Cricket ACT, is another after he was elevated to a chief of cricket role at CA last month.
Big Bash League boss Alistair Dobson is also in the mix after reviving the competition in recent years.
“This was a difficult decision,” Hockley said in a statement.
“However following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge.
“This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focused on the season ahead and supporting the board on succession and a smooth transition.”
The Hockley era
Hockley’s time in charge will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in Cricket Australia’s history.
He took over when Kevin Roberts paid the price for the sport’s response to the COVID-19 shut down, midway through 2020.
Hockley’s early achievements were notable, after a stint in charge of the 2020 Twenty20 World Cup.
Where the worldwide pandemic broke several sporting administrators, it was largely the making of Hockley.
The Englishman was able to complete home summers against both India and England, despite border closures and concerns from the travelling teams.
Nick Hockley was an industry focal point during the pandemic. (Getty: Matt King)
Hockley’s tenure also included a $1.5 billion TV rights deal signed in early 2023, just months after avoiding a lawsuit from the Seven Network over the standard of the BBL during COVID.
And a largely amicable pay deal was reached with Greenberg and the players’ association last year, compared to the drama and threats of strikes in 2018.
But Hockley still had his challenges in the public domain.
The handling of Justin Langer’s axing as men’s coach frustrated several former players, as did the fact the West Australian was at one stage offered only a six-month extension before his resignation.
Hockley also had to contend with the Tim Paine sexting scandal, with the former Australia captain particularly critical of his handling of the situation in a 2022 autobiography.
David Warner’s leadership ban also loomed as an issue months later, when Warner withdrew his appeal after an independent body would not allow the hearing to be held in private.
“As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability,” chairman Mike Baird said.
“Under Nick’s leadership, several major deals are now in place — many for the next seven years — and the game is set up for continued success.”
AAP
Sports content to make you think… or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday.
Source link : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-06/cricket-australia-nick-hockley-nrl-todd-greenberg/104189904
Author :
Publish date : 2024-08-06 05:03:06
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.