David Boon Named Cricket Australia Interim Chairman After Mike Baird Resigns Amid BBL Privatisation Fallout

Cricket Australia has appointed former Australia cricketer David Boon as its Interim Chairman following the resignation of Mike Baird. Boon will formally begin his tenure at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on October 28. The leadership change comes after Baird stepped down from his position following a period of scrutiny surrounding Cricket Australia’s decision to privatise parts of the Big Bash League, with the Melbourne Renegades becoming the first club to be put up for sale.

Baird had served on the Cricket Australia board for six years and became chairman in February 2023. While he did not disclose a specific reason for his resignation, he said he was proud of his time overseeing Australian cricket and would work with Boon during the transition. Baird also pointed to strong recent figures for the sport, saying Cricket Australia was expected to report record revenue, profit, attendance and viewership, along with a 40 per cent increase in participation over the previous four years.

Boon brings experience from both international cricket and administration to the interim role. He joined the Cricket Australia board in 2025 after spending nine years as a director of Cricket Tasmania, including three years as its chair. He also previously served as Cricket Tasmania’s General Manager of Cricket and was part of Australia’s national selection panel for 11 years between 2000 and 2011. Boon later worked as an International Cricket Council match referee.

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In a statement, Boon described the interim chairmanship as an honour and acknowledged that Australian cricket was entering a period involving both opportunities and challenges. He said he would lead the board while continuing to focus on decisions affecting the long-term future of the sport in Australia and its interests internationally. Boon also thanked Baird for his contribution to Australian cricket and his work across different levels of the game.

Baird’s departure follows continuing debate over the future ownership structure of the Big Bash League. Cricket Victoria is pushing for the full sale of the Melbourne Renegades, while other state associations are also considering their options under a self-determination model. Baird said recent decisions involving the Big Bash had strengthened the league’s long-term sustainability, while the ownership changes have remained a significant issue within Australian cricket administration.

Cricket Australia said the formal process for selecting a permanent chairman will begin after the October 28 Annual General Meeting. Until that process is completed, Boon will oversee the board as interim chair. His appointment places an experienced former player and administrator at the centre of Cricket Australia’s leadership during a period of organisational change and continuing discussions over the future structure of the Big Bash League.

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