Cricket Australia has a new man at the helm in Nick Hockley after former CEO Kevin Roberts resigned on Tuesday. Hockley, who is the Chief executive of the T20 World cup, will fill the position in an interim role. The decision was announced by Cricket Australia chairman, Earl Eddings via a live stream. 

Cricket Australia has faced turbulence in recent times as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused severe financial distress. “The CA Board has accepted his resignation and announced the appointment of Nick Hockley, currently Chief Executive of the ICC T20 World Cup, as Interim Chief Executive, effective immediately,” the CA said in a statement.

“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 the statement. ”The entire cricket community has been affected and difficult decisions have been - and will continue to be necessary - to ensure that cricket at every level is in the best shape it can be now and in the future.” 

Eddings acknowledged the “tireless” job done by Roberts and expressed his gratitude. “Kevin has worked tirelessly since taking on the role in difficult circumstances in 2018, and particularly during the challenges of the past few months. He is a man of principle who has always put the best interests of cricket first. We wish him all the best for his future,” Eddings said.

Roberts remarked that it was an honour to have served Cricket Australia, saying  “It’s been a privilege to lead and serve the sport I love as CEO of Cricket Australia... I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. As a lifelong and passionate member of the cricket community, I look forward to seeing the game thrive into the future.”

Nick Hockley comes in with a rich reputation of overseeing major tournaments, including the successful ICC Women’s World T20 earlier in the year, which saw a record crowd of 86,174 fans witnessing the final on March 8, 2020. 

[PTI inputs]