'Decision taken looking at next four years' - Cricket Australia Director breaks silence on Justin Langer saga

Cricket Australia (CA) has finally broke the silence over the whole controversy surrounding not extending Justin Langer’s contract as the head coach of the men’s cricket team. But CA director Mike Baird, when asked in an interview, did not make it clear so as to whether the board was unanimous in offering Langer a short-term deal.

Langer resigned following negotiations that ended with him turning down a short-term extension of his coaching tenure. CA’s decision to offer Langer an additional six-month tenure instead of an extended one, however, did not go down well with fans and former Australian cricketers.

CA director and former NSW premier Mike Bair distanced himself from the board following their decision to offer a short-term extension to Justin Langer, calling it the decision of CA chief, Nick Hockley. Hockley said during his press conference on Saturday (February 5) that after a “lengthy discussion”, the board “was unanimous in endorsing the approach”.

When asked about the same on 2GB, Baird refused to further elaborate on the board’s stance, but at the same time didn’t step away from the decision. “I’m not going to talk about the board meeting and I think my comments stand,” Baird said on 2GB.

Everyone should respect Langer’s decision, says Baird

Baird also said that the decision was taken by not keeping the last 4 years in mind, but the next 4 years. “I am very appreciative of who Justin Langer is, what he’s achieved. Obviously, cricket’s taken a decision for the next four years to move to a new coach.

“The CEO has obviously run a process, it’s not about the last four years, it’s about the next four years and he’s made a decision considering all stakeholders,” he added. Baird further stated that both players, as well as team staff, were consulted before making a decision. Talking about how the decision was welcomed by the former Australian cricketers, Baird said that the reaction from past players to Langer quitting has been “disappointing”.

Many former cricketers like Mitchell Johnson, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, and Matthew Hayden did not mince their words expressing disappointment over the Langer saga. Speaking about Langer’s refusal to accept the short-term extension, he said that everyone should respect the outgoing coach’s decision and respect him for what he has achieved with the men’s senior team.

Justin Langer took over the men’s team amid the Sandpaper gate in 2018 and has led the men’s senior team to greater heights since then. Baird said, “He’s decided to leave and of course, you respect that. I’ve got nothing but respect and thanks for the incredible memories of Justin Langer.”