Baird quits as CA chair as Big Bash sell-off fallout continues
Former NSW premier Mike Baird quits as the Cricket Australia chair as the fallout from the privatisation of the Big Bash heats up.
Mike Baird has resigned as Cricket Australia chair, to be succeeded by David Boon in the interim. Baird endorsed the privatization of the Big Bash League, which led to a loss of backing from Cricket NSW. Baird was offered the chance to assume an independent role, but chose to stay only if all states were supportive. Baird had been on the CA board for six years and led the organization since February 2023.
He and Todd Greenberg formed one of the most influential power couples in Australian sports. Baird recently highlighted the positive impact of the BBL privatization, citing record revenue, profit, attendance, and viewership, along with a 40% increase in participation over the last four years. He stated that the Board's decision on the Big Bash ensured the sport's long-term sustainability.
Baird's decision to step down came after Cricket NSW strongly opposed the privatization decision, arguing that it could leave cricket in NSW and Australia in a strategically and financially weaker position, with detrimental consequences for grassroots cricket investment.
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