Lillee resigns as WACA president

Dennis Lillee has resigned as president of the West Australian Cricket Association, according to reports.

His reported departure comes just two days before the release of a report on how much cricket should be moved from the WACA ground to Perth's new stadium at Burswood, across the other side of the Swan River.

"I cannot stand by and watch what is happening at the WACA," Lillee told the West Australian.

"I do not wish to be part of it any longer."

The West Australian reported the WACA's future development strategy committee report is likely to recommend that Test cricket remains at the WACA Ground, but most forms of limited-overs cricket, including KFC T20 Big Bash League matches, be moved to Burswood.

Any such decision could bring into question the viability of the WACA ground, with potentially only Test cricket and Bupa Sheffield Shield matches held at the venue and no other major Australian sport using the ground.

Lillee's resignation ends an 11-year stint at the helm of West Australian cricket, while current chairman Sam Gannon, who also started in his role in 2004, announced last month he would not seek re-election.

“Dennis’ resignation did come as a surprise, however, I was previously aware that he was contemplating resigning from the Board prior to the end of his elected term,” said Gannon.

“I also reviewed my position after 11 years on the Board and thought it was an appropriate time to step aside and, accordingly, have not offered myself for re-election at this month’s AGM (on September 23).

“The Board will seek to get some clarification from Dennis on his specific concerns and we will continue to work openly with our members, staff and the media in regards to all appropriate information, as has been the WACA’s deliberate approach throughout my time as Chairman.”

WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said she had a healthy working relationship with Lillee.

"We got on fine," Matthews said at a press conference today (Wednesday). "We've never had any stand-up barneys or not talked to each other or anything like that.

"There's always differences of opinions on how you do things but, other than that, it was fine.

"I was surprised, as was everyone this morning. There had been some discussions around the traps that he wouldn't see out his full term, but we had no indication he would be stepping down today.

"There was nothing in the note he sent to us about why."