Nick Hockley will step down as Cricket Australia’s chief executive in March 2025

Nick Hockley has announced that he will step down as Cricket Australia’s chief executive in March 2025 after five years in the role.

Hockley, who has worked in the Australian game in various capacities for 13 years, first took on the interim role at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic after Kevin Roberts resigned following unrest at the start of CA’s handling of issues including mass standing. of workers.

He was appointed full-time in May 2021 helping the game navigate the 2020-21 season amid the lockdown including successfully hosting a Test series against India that ensured the game’s financial viability.

“This was a difficult decision, however we are following what promises to be a successful summer and with our five-year plan well underway, now is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the Board ample time to find the next CEO to build on the strong foundations we have now,” said Hockley. .

“This is not the time to say goodbye, as I am fully focused on the upcoming season and supporting the Board in succession and a seamless transition.”

Hockley’s final season in charge of CA will see India visit again, this time for a five-Test series, and host the Women’s Ashes in January.

Hockley had to deal with Tim Paine’s controversial departure as Test captain on the eve of the 2021-22 Ashes, although the transition to Pat Cummins ultimately proved smooth and successful, as well as an acrimonious split with coach Justin Langer.

Hockley also tried to have David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban overturned although that collapsed in late 2022 when Warner withdrew his case under pressure from an independent panel to speak again about what happened at Newlands in 2018.

He was in charge during a period of great success on the field which included the men’s and women’s teams that won the T20 and ODI World Cups as well as the men who claimed last year’s World Test Championship and the women’s gold at the Commonwealth Games. Notably, in 2022 the men’s team toured Pakistan for the first time since 1998.

One of the major projects he has led in recent years has been the implementation of CA’s Multicultural Action Plan which aims to improve participation and presence among South Asian communities.

“As CEO, Nick has navigated the sport through an unprecedentedly challenging time of violence and delivered significant growth and stability,” said CA chairman Mike Baird. “Under Nick’s leadership, many major deals have been signed – many over the next seven years – and the game is set for continued success.

“As Nick said, he is focused on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners and the whole of Australian cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down next year. “

Before her rapid rise to the top CA role, Hockley was the chief executive of the 2020 Women’s World T20 World Cup committee that hosted the historic tournament in Australia. Prior to that, he worked at the 2015 Men’s World Cup, having participated in the London Olympics.

CA will be looking around the world for Hockley’s replacement although Todd Greenberg, the current CEO of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, is likely to be the frontrunner if he wants the job.