Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird is set to step down from his position as chairman of Cricket Australia, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure as tensions over the future ownership of the Big Bash League continue to flare up. He will relinquish duties after almost four years in the role. Baird has served as chairman since February 2023 and has been a member of the CA board for six years. Meanwhile, former Australia batter David Boon will take over as interim chairman at the upcoming CA annual general meeting. 

“I believe Australian cricket continues ‌to be well led by the CA Board. Their mix of significant experience and passion for the game gives me great ⁠confidence for the future,” Baird said in a statement.

“This year CA will report record revenue, profit, attendance and ‌viewership, and most importantly a 40 percent increase in participation over the past four years."

“I have been incredibly proud to play a role in the oversight of cricket on the CNSW Board and, over the past six years, the CA Board, ‌including almost four as chair.”

“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.

Boon said that it was an honour to take over the responsibility. Boon has mammoth experience, having played 107 Tests for Australia and later worked as an International Cricket Council match referee. He also served on Australia's selection panel between 2000 and 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,” Boon said in a statement.

“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,” he 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 stated.

“Mike’s efforts to lead Australian Cricket, confront the many difficult decisions facing cricket and his influential role at the ICC should be appreciated by everyone throughout the game," he said.