Cricket Australia splits from 37-year sponsor Commonwealth Bank

Cricket Australia has decided to part ways with long-term sponsor Commonwealth Bank, ending a 37-year partnership.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: Getty Images.

Cricket Australia is to split from sponsor Commonwealth Bank at the end of the financial year, ending a partnership dating back to 1987.

CBA was eager to extend its deal, with a spokesman confirming the bank made “a very attractive offer to [CA] but they have decided on commercial grounds to go in a different direction”.

Westpac was reported to be lined up to take over in July as CA’s exclusive banking partner. Westpac is the current sponsor of the NRL, having signed an estimated $6m-a-year deal, and the front-of-jersey partner of the NSW and Queensland State of Origin sides.

While Westpac is yet to confirm its takeover as the new banking sponsor, a CBA spokesman confirmed the end of its partnership with CA.

“We are extremely proud of what we have achieved over many decades in helping to grow ­cricket, in particular our support for the women’s game, from our incredible international team all the way through to the grassroots,” the spokesman said.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley thanked the bank for its support. “When CommBank joined forces with Cricket Australia in 1987, it was a year for the history books,” Mr Hockley said.

“Lyn Larsen led the women’s team to victory against England in the women’s Ashes, and Allan Border captained the men’s team in their first Cricket World Cup victory. Cricket has come a long way since then – and we’re incredibly grateful to CommBank for the role they’ve played in driving the game forward.”

CBA executive of marketing and corporate affairs Monique Macleod said the bank’s commitment to cricket was driven by a desire to make it an inclusive sport for the country.

“We’re pleased to have helped make that a reality,” she said.

Monique Macleod, Commonwealth Bank of Australia group executive. NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Ms Macleod cited the increase in popularity of the women’s game as a particular source of pride for the bank. “Watching the women’s game go from strength to strength and seeing so many of our amazing women cricketers inspire young girls to pick up a bat or a ball is something the bank’s incredibly proud of,” she said.

Ms Macleod said the bank would continue to support sport.