Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley announces upcoming summer will be his last in charge, Todd Greenberg shapes as likely replacement

Cricket Australia will be looking for a new chief executive at the end of the upcoming summer of cricket, with a former NRL boss shaping as the frontrunner.

Former NRL boss Todd Greenberg shapes as a leading candidate to take over as Cricket Australia’s new chief executive after Nick Hockley announced he will stand down from his post at the end of this summer.

CA will begin a worldwide search for a new chief executive, with Big Bash Leagues boss Alistair Dobson emerging as another potential successor, while state CEOs Nick Cummins, Terry Svenson and ex-WA boss Christina Matthews may also be sought after.

Despite various flashpoints across his tenure during which he was semi-regularly the subject of criticism from CA’s state association owners, directors and executives from several states suggested on Tuesday that there had been no urgent moves afoot from state level to remove Hockley from his post.

By the same token though, the prevailing view from senior industry sources is that Hockley never completely won the states over with his leadership style, and that there had been misgivings about some of his key decisions.

Having overseen the running of the women’s Twenty20 World Cup at the start of 2020, Hockley took over as CA chief - initially on an interim basis - following the sacking of predecessor Kevin Roberts in the middle of that year. On short notice he pulled off what seemed a logistic impossibility in co-ordinating a Test summer against India through the height of the pandemic, and then repeated the dose the following Ashes summer despite the obstacles of border closures and other restrictions.

Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley has confirmed this summer will be his last in the role. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for Cricket Australia

The English-born Hockley might not necessarily be a household name, but he has helped calm the waters for CA following the turbulence of the Sandpapergate scandal and the ill-fated Roberts era.

What Hockley might have lacked as a strong public voice, he made up for with his excellent work-ethic,strong strategic mind and his earnest and humble personality behind the scenes.

Another one of Hockley’s most notable achievements was signing off on a new television deal with Channel 7 (and Fox Sports) despite Cricket Australia and the free-to-air network being at war for the previous few years, although debate remains as to whether CA could have yielded more from the agreement.

While nowhere near as divisive as Roberts nor former chair David Peever, Hockley still bore heavy criticism for his handling of the messy exits of men’s Test captain Tim Paine and national team coach Justin Langer.

To Hockley’s credit, he sought to mend relationships, with Paine back in the fold as a CA pathways coach and Langer remaining involved in the game as a commentator. Ever the pacifist, he sought to gently navigate delicate issues over the past 12 months including Usman Khawaja’s pro-Palestinian protest and the call about whether to resume bilateral cricket against Afghanistan.

A dispute earlier this year over the format of an additional women’s domestic T20 competition wedged Hockley and CA against the two most populous and most powerful states, NSW and Victoria. At the time the issue was perceived by some senior cricket officials as a Trojan Horse to topple Hockley, who has worked in Australian cricket for nearly 13 years, including five as CEO and said in a statement he wants to pursue other challenges.

Hockley will work through until March, giving Cricket Australia chiefs ample time to search for a new CEO to take the organisation Chaired by former NSW Premier Mike Baird further forward.

Australian Cricketers' Association CEO Todd Greenberg shapes as a leading candidate to replace Hockley. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Cricket Australia

Greenberg shapes as the most high-profile candidate, provided the ex-NRL chief still holds an ambition to lead another major Australian sporting code.

Greenberg has been chief executive of cricket’s player’s association for the past few years and has consistently maintained a strong working relationship with Hockley and Cricket Australia – changing the adversarial dynamic that had existed previously.

His role with the Australian Cricketers Association has ensured he has a close relationship with the Australian men’s and women’s playing group.

Dobson, formerly an employee at the AFL, is understood to have support from the broadcasters. Cummins (Victoria) and Svenson (Queensland) are vastly different characters but both have their backers, while Matthews, 64, is widely-respected within the industry for overhauling WA cricket.

“This was a difficult decision, 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 said.

“This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focused on the season ahead and supporting the board on succession and a smooth transition.”

Baird praised Hockley’s contribution as CA CEO.

“As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability,” Baird said.

“Under Nick’s leadership, several major deals are now in place – many for the next seven years – and the game is set up for continued success.

“As Nick says, his full focus is on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners and the whole of Australian Cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down from his role next year.

“The timing of Nick’s decision allows the board to ensure a smooth transition and we will begin the process of finding and appointing his successor shortly.”

Originally published as Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley announces upcoming summer will be his last in charge, Todd Greenberg shapes as likely replacement