Mike Baird steps down as Cricket Australia chairman, David Boon takes interim role

Mike Baird has resigned from his position as the Cricket Australia (CA) chairman after losing support from his home state, New South Wales, as the Big Bash League (BBL) privatisation moves ahead.

Baird, who has held the position since February 2023, has informed the board that he will not be seeking re-election at the CA AGM in October. In his place, David Boon will come in as interim chair at the AGM while the process to find a permanent successor gets underway.

Baird is currently NSW's nomination to the CA board, but he has been informed by the state that he would no longer have their backing even from one of the independent seats.

"After much consideration I have decided to stand down as CA chair and director. I am delighted that David Boon has agreed to undertake the interim chair role while we complete the formal chair process, and I will undertake a transition process with David over coming weeks,” Baird said in a statement.

"I have been incredibly proud to play a role in the oversight of cricket on the CNSW board and, over the last six years, the CA board, including almost four as chair,” he added.

Baird's decision will not affect the BBL privatisation process, which was approved by the CA board earlier this month. Melbourne Renegades is set to be the first club to be sold, likely before the end of the year. Baird will also relinquish his ICC role, where he has formed a close working relationship with chairman Jay Shah.

Boon honoured to be interim CA chair

Meanwhile, Boon is a veteran of Australian cricket, having played 107 Tests. He was appointed to the CA board in 2025, and has also served as an ICC match referee as well as a member of Australia's selection panel from 2000-2011.

"It is an enormous honour to take the role of interim CA chair during what is a hugely exciting and also challenging time for cricket. I look forward to leading the CA board as we continue to make decisions that ensure the long-term health and prosperity of the game here and advancing Australia's interests globally,” Boon said.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mike for his commitment and leadership as a passionate advocate for Australian cricket from grassroots clubs right through to the Cricket Australia and ICC boardrooms and all in between,” he added.