Aussie great to take over as CA chair as Baird steps down

Mike Baird will step down as Cricket Australia chair at next month's annual general meeting, the governing body said in a statement this morning.

Baird, the former NSW Premier who has been a driving force behind CA's push towards the privatisation of Big Bash Leagues clubs, will leave the CA Board he has served on for six years. He had been chair since February 2023.

Former Test batter David Boon will take over at the October 28 AGM as the interim chair while a process to appoint a full-time chair takes place over the coming months.

The 58-year-old Baird, who was appointed NRMA Group CEO in April, steps down following confirmation earlier this month that CA would proceed with a 'self-determination' privatisation model despite staunch opposition from his home state, Cricket NSW.

CA has invited bids from private owners for a 100 per cent stake in the Melbourne Renegades license, with new ownership expected to be in place for the 2027-28 WBBL and BBL seasons.

Baird said he leaves the role with the belief CA's "long-term sustainability is assured" following the "recent decisions (regarding) the Big Bash".

It's understood Baird consulted with CNSW and decided to step aside as their CA director to ensure continued unity and stability at board level.

"I believe Australian cricket continues to be well led by the CA Board. Their mix of significant experience and passion for the game gives me great confidence for the future," he said in a statement.

"This year CA will report record revenue, profit, attendance and viewership, and most importantly a 40 per cent increase in participation over the past four years.

"I have been incredibly proud to play a role in the oversight of cricket on the CNSW Board and, over the past six years, the CA Board, including almost four as chair.

"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."

Boon, who played 107 Tests and 181 one-day internationals for Australia between 1984-96, was appointed to the CA Board in February last year after serving as Cricket Tasmania director for nine years. He was also chair of the state board for three years from 2022-25.

A fan favourite during his playing days, the burly top-order batter compiled 13,386 international runs between the formats, won four Ashes series and was a member of the 1987 World Cup-winning team in India.

He has remained heavily involved in the game following his playing career, and up until 2025 was a regular at coin tosses for international matches for 14 years in his role as an ICC match referee.

An Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductee and one of Tasmanian cricket's finest products, Boon also spent more than a decade as an Australian selector between 2000-2011 following his retirement in 1999.

"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 boardrooms and all in between."

As the state's representative on the CA Board, CNSW will nominate a new director to replace Baird.