Nick Hockley has announced he will step down as Cricket Australia chief executive in March 2025 after five years in the role.
Hockley, who has held a variety of roles in Australian football over 13 years, initially took over on an interim basis after Kevin Roberts resigned amid protests over CA’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a slew of staff being made redundant.
He was appointed as head coach permanently in May 2021 for his contribution in helping the game to be played successfully despite the border lockdown in the 2020-21 season, and in the process successfully hosted the Test series against India to ensure the game was financially viable.
“This has been a difficult decision, but with our five-year strategic plan well underway after what is expected to be a blockbuster summer, the time is right for the Board to pursue another challenge while ensuring ample time to build on the strong foundation we have now built and find our next CEO,” Hockley said.
“Now is not the time to say goodbye. I will focus fully on the upcoming season and support the Board’s succession and smooth transition.”
In Hockley’s final season in charge of CA, India return to the country for a five-Test series, as well as the Women’s Ashes in January.
Hockley had to deal with the controversial departure of Test captain Tim Paine on the eve of the 2021-22 Ashes, but the transition to Pat Cummins was ultimately smooth and successful, and there was an ugly row with manager Justin Langer.
Hockley attempted to overturn David Warner’s life ban from leading, but the effort collapsed in late 2022 when Warner angrily withdrew his case after being pressured by an independent panel to review what happened at Newlands in 2018.
He has been in charge for a period of significant success on the field, with the men’s and women’s teams winning the T20 and ODI World Cups, the men’s team winning the World Test Championship last year and the women’s gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Significantly, the men’s team will tour Pakistan for the first time since 1998 in 2022.
One of the key projects he has led in recent years has been the implementation of the CA Multicultural Action Plan, which aims to improve participation and attendance of the South Asian community.
“As CEO, Nick has led the sport through unprecedented challenges during the pandemic and delivered significant growth and stability,” said CA Chairman Mike Baird. “Under Nick’s leadership, several key deals are currently underway, many of which are in the pipeline for the next seven years, and the game is set for continued success.
“As Nick has said, his entire focus is on delivering another successful summer for fans, players, broadcasters, partners and Australian cricket as a whole and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps back from the role next year.”
Before her swift ascension to the top CA role, Hockley was the chief executive of the 2020 T20 Women’s World Cup committee, which hosted the record-breaking tournament in Australia. Before that, she worked on the 2015 Men’s World Cup and the London Olympics.
CA are conducting a global search for Hockley’s successor, but current Australian Cricketers’ Association CEO Todd Greenberg is likely to be the frontrunner if he is interested in the job.
Andrew McGlashan is the deputy editor of ESPNcricinfo.
