Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts resigns; Nick Hockley named interim replacement

For the last few days, there was a seeming uncertainty over Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive Kevin Roberts’ position. Finally, the news has arrived. Kevin Roberts has handed over his resignation from the role. Cricket Australia has now appointed Nick Hockley as the interim Chief Executive. Hockley is also the Chief Executive of the ICC T20 World Cup.

The Chairman of Cricket Australia, Earl Eddings has declared that there will be a decision taken on the position. He has indicated that there will be a search for a new chief executive to lead the organization. Cricket is all set to return to Australia when the summer starts. There is enough evidence to support that cricket will be played full-fledged once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

“Cricket, like all national sports, has been going through a period of significant change and – in recent months we have had the added uncertainty delivered by COVID-19,” Eddings said in an official statement as quoted by Cricket.com.au. “It is essential that Cricket Australia continues to provide strong leadership and works constructively with everyone who has an interest in the future of the game – the players, all employees, the state associations, commercial partners and supporters,” he added.

It’s been a privilege to lead and serve the sport I love as CEO of Cricket Australia: Ex-Chief Executive Kevin Roberts

Kevin Robers was with Cricket Australia for eight years. Initially, he was there as a board member and later joined in as the Chief Executive. Eddings thanked him for his services to the board. “Kevin has worked tirelessly since taking on the role in difficult circumstances in 2018, and particularly during the challenges of the past few months,” said Eddings.

Nick was given the role of the CEO of ICC T20 World Cup 2020 in 2017. He has more than 13 years of major event experience. He impressed everyone recently by handling the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup quite well. The final of that tournament which was played in March saw 86,000 attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“It’s been a privilege to lead and serve the sport I love as CEO of Cricket Australia. Our team of staff and players are outstanding people who contribute so much to the game and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Roberts. “As a lifelong and passionate member of the cricket community, I look forward to seeing the game thrive into the future,” he added.

The T20 World Cup 2020 will be played in Australia from October 18 to November 15. The fact that the tournament will be even played or not has not been confirmed. There are chances that it may get postponed due to the current pandemic crisis. However, CA is very optimistic about having that World event.

“We are optimistic about cricket’s present and its future and, together with our partners across the States and Territories and the players, we look forward to hosting a summer of cricket that will be great for the game and great for the nation,” said Eddings.