Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley Confirms Departure After Upcoming Season

Nick Hockley, the CEO of Cricket Australia (CA), has revealed his plans to step down after the upcoming summer season. This decision marks the end of nearly 13 years of service in Australian cricket, including five years as the CEO of Cricket Australia.

Hockley expressed that stepping down was a challenging decision but believed it was the right moment, considering the progress of CA’s five-year strategic plan. “This was a difficult decision,” Hockley stated, “however, following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the Board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place.”

Hockley emphasised that his focus remains on the upcoming season and assisting in a smooth transition for his successor. CA Chair Mike Baird acknowledged Hockley’s contribution, noting that his leadership brought growth and stability, particularly during the pandemic. “As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability,” Baird commented. “Several major deals are now in place – many for the next seven years – and the game is set up for continued success.”

Baird confirmed that Hockley will remain in his role until the end of March 2025, or possibly longer, depending on the process of appointing a new CEO. He noted that the timing of Hockley’s decision allows the board to ensure a seamless transition and begin the search for a successor.

Hockley’s tenure has been marked by several accomplishments, including negotiating a new five-year strategy, securing seven-year media deals with Seven West Media, Foxtel Group, and Disney Star in India, and a new player agreement with the Australian Cricketers’ Association. The agreement included a significant 66% pay increase for female professional cricketers. He also helped reset the Big Bash League on a growth trajectory.

Under Hockley’s leadership, Australia’s national teams have achieved remarkable success, with achievements such as the first tour to Pakistan in 24 years, multiple ICC trophies, including the women’s and men’s Cricket World Cups in 2022 and 2023, and the World Test Championship in 2023. The women’s team also claimed Commonwealth Games gold in 2022.

Hockley joined Australian Cricket in 2012 as GM Commercial & Marketing for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which attracted over a million fans and generated over $1 billion for the Australian and New Zealand economies. Later, he served as the CEO of the Local Organising Committee for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, where the women’s T20 World Cup final set a record attendance of 86,174 fans at the MCG.

As Cricket Australia prepares for a new chapter, Hockley’s legacy of growth and success will serve as a strong foundation for the organisation’s future endeavours.