Cummins to leave players’ union board, former WA cricket supremo Christina Matthews to stand

A host of commitments and a growing family has meant the Australian men’s Test captain Pat Cummins will step back from a pivotal role he has held for the past five years.

Pat Cummins’ expanding workload has led to his decision to step down from the Australian Cricketers’ Association board after five years as a director of the player union.

But the ACA has been buoyed the decision of former WA cricket supremo Christina Matthews to stand for election.

Cummins has served on the ACA board since 2019, predating his appointment as Australian Test captain. But with wife Becky expecting the couple’s second child, combined with a raft of business and not-for-profit interests and his playing commitments across three formats, Cummins has decided to walk away from the role ahead of next month’s annual general meeting.

Pat Cummins is stepping away from his senior role with the players union. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Former Australian women’s vice-captain Rachael Haynes, these days the general manager of the Sydney Sixers, has opted not to seek re-election as a director at the conclusion of her term.

With two vacancies arising, Matthews – who left her post as WA Cricket chief earlier this year – and New Balance executive Darren Tucker, a former NSW player, are standing for board positions alongside Test opener Usman Khawaja, whose is up for re-election.

ACA chief Todd Greenberg thanked Cummins and Haynes for their respective contributions.

Rachael Haynes has opted not to seek re-election for her ACA post. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Cricket Australia

“Pat has given five years of service to the ACA board. Throughout this period of time he has assumed two new and important roles, the Australian captaincy and becoming a dad. We thank him for his leadership and contribution to the ACA over a long period of time,” Greenberg said.

“Rach has been a significant contributor over her three year term on the ACA board and with her ongoing work with CNSW (Cricket NSW) and also her media commitments we are thankful

for the sacrifices and time she has provided to the ACA”.

Matthews said she was glad to be remaining involved in cricket, in addition to her recent commentary work on CA’s streams of domestic cricket.

“I’ve always aspired to work at national level in some way,” Matthews said.

“I’ve though my background was more suited to working with the players. I want to provide support to players who are still playing about being on the board.

“The ACA and Cricket Australia are in a really good space at the moment and working collaboratively.”

Tucker said: “I’m excited to be joining the board of the ACA. They do important work in representing the interests of both our current and former player. I bring a lifelong love and commitment to cricket and look forward to working with the Players and all stakeholders to grow the sport in the future”.

Originally published as Cummins to leave players’ union board, former WA cricket supremo Christina Matthews to stand