Cricket Australia looking for new CEO after resignation

After 17-years at the top, James Sutherland has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia (CA) giving 12 months notice.

Sutherland announced the move at a media conference in Melbourne, following the resignation of Australian coach Darren Lehmann last month.

“It’s my intention to give the board the opportunity to run a thorough process to identify my successor and for me to provide support to the new [chief executive] with the smoothest possible handover,” Sutherland said.

“After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia and 17 years as chief executive, the time is right for me and my family, and I think the time is also right for cricket.”

Sutherland admits the new television rights deal, and the new collective agreement with the Australian Cricketers’ Association has Cricket Australia heading in the right direction.

“With these foundations in place, I feel that it’s a good time for me to hand over the reins to a new chief executive,” he said.

“My successor will have a strong and stable platform from which to lead our sport and to deliver on our bold aspirations for cricket to be Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians.

“My overwhelming feeling today is a sense of gratitude.”

Cricket Australia chairman David Peever paid tribute to Sutherland’s performance in the role.

“James has done an incredible job and has always carried himself with integrity, humility and dignity, apart from knowing the game of cricket inside out.

“He is, without doubt, the best sporting administrator in Australia and the best in world cricket.

“James has been instrumental in driving change around the game to make it even stronger for future generations.

“When he leaves the game, he can most certainly say it’s much stronger for him having been here.”