Former New South Wales premier Mike Baird to take over as Cricket Australia chairman

Mike Baird, who was NSW premier for three years, will take over from Lachlan Henderson as Cricket Australia chairman.

Former New South Wales premier Mike Baird will take over as Cricket Australia chairman. Picture: James Gourley-Pool/Getty Images

Former NSW Premier Mike Baird will be the new chairman of Cricket Australia after incumbent Lachlan Henderson stepped down from his role because of a relocation.

Dr Henderson, the chief executive of Epworth Healthcare, will move back from Melbourne to his hometown of Perth and felt he would not be able to perform the responsibilities of the CA role from across the Nullarbor.

Henderson had been in the role less than a year, formally succeeding Earl Eddings in February. Baird will be CA’s fourth chair in little over four years, with Eddings having himself replaced David Peever following the damning culture report in 2018.

The move comes at a tumultuous time for CA following the imbroglio surrounding David Warner’s leadership ban and angst being directed at chief executive Nick Hockley, with momentum building for Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Todd Greenberg to replace Hockley.

“The new role I’ve taken in my home city Perth will make it difficult to devote the time required as Chair, so I have decided this is the right time to hand over the role,” Henderson said.

“It’s been a great privilege to serve as Chair and to help oversee some of the great work being done by the CA executive and across Australian cricket.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Mike, my fellow CA Board members and all those striving to nurture and grow the game of cricket.”

Baird, 54, joined the CA board in 2020 having served as NSW Premier between 2014 and 2017.

“Lachlan has made a great contribution as chair and I’m delighted he will continue to provide his considerable business and cricket expertise on the CA Board,” Baird said.

“It is an honour to take such an important role in Australian cricket at a time when so much exciting work is being done to grow our national sport and take it forward.

“I’m pleased to have the chance to work even more closely with CEO Nick Hockley and his team and all those working across Australian cricket.”

Originally published as Former New South Wales premier Mike Baird to take over as Cricket Australia chairman