Cricket Australia in No Rush to Appoint Nick Hockley's Successor

Cricket Australia (CA) is taking its time in appointing Nick Hockley's successor, with the outgoing CEO's March exit date remaining flexible. Hockley addressed his final AGM as the sport's boss on Thursday, as CA reported a better-than-expected AU$31.9 million loss for the financial year.

A global search is underway for Hockley's replacement, following his announcement of his impending departure last August. Players' union boss and former NRL CEO Todd Greenberg remains the frontrunner for the role, while other CA executives have also expressed interest.

Hockley had initially indicated a March exit, but is open to staying beyond that if a suitable replacement is not found. "The process is under way," said CA chairman Mike Baird. "There is a huge amount of interest in the role. We will run through that in a considered way as a board, there is no rush."

CA's annual loss was expected, given the absence of tours from England and India last summer. The deficit was also larger than in the previous year, which benefited from hosting the men's T20 World Cup. The annual result left CA with cash reserves of $25.7 million, despite an estimated $100 million hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We expect to have reserves in excess of $70 million by the end of the next two years," said Baird. "We're very bullish about the next two summers and it's reflected in the forecast."

Hockley emphasized that CA has taken steps to make its budget more resilient against summers without India or England, through new content, investments, cost-efficiency measures, and increased digital assets.

Baird also indicated that Australia is pursuing plans for a Test fund with the ICC, aimed at supporting nations outside the "big three" and safeguarding the red-ball game.

Meanwhile, CA directors Lachlan Henderson, Greg Rowell, and Clea Smith were re-elected at Thursday's meeting, while Paul Green announced his upcoming departure.

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