James Sutherland stands down as Cricket Australia boss

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has announced his resignation after a turbulent summer of scandal.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has given notice of his intention to step down.

The cricket boss appeared at a press conference this morning saying it was time to move on and that he had given 12 months notice.

Sutherland, a former first-class cricketer with Victoria, was appointed in 2001 as Malcolm Speed’s successor at the then Australian Cricket Board.

The Australian reported earlier this week that he was under pressure and there was a positioning of candidates to take his job.

Chairman David Peever said he was “without doubt the best sporting administrator in Australia and the best in world cricket”. He was voluminous in his praise for the achievements of Sutherland who has introduced the BBL and day night cricket during era.

His decision comes two months after national coach Darren Lehmann resigned following the cheating scandal.

The first question of Sutherland at the press conference was about the recent ball tampering scandal.

Sutherland said “it hasn’t had a bearing on his decision” and that he has been talking about leaving for two years with his chairman.

James Sutherland has had some major achievements, especially BBL and Day Night Tests.

Unfortunately two bus crashes in past 12 months with pay dispute and ball tampering, but on balance has done a good job.

Thoughts?

— Peter Lalor (@plalor) June 6, 2018

The past 12 months have been the most tumultuous in Australian cricket for decades, if not ever. The contract dispute saw almost every national and state player off contract and refusing to play for their country.

The ball tampering scandal in South Africa in March saw the captain Steve Smith and vice captain Dave Warner suspended and coach Lehmann resign.

Sutherland said with a new broadcast rights deal, an MOU in place and the Future Tours Program almost complete it was a good time to hand over his position.

“After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia, the time is right. I feel very comfortable that this is the right time for me and a good time for the game,” Sutherland said.

“In the last 12 months we have laid key foundation stones which have included a new strategy for Australian cricket, a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Cricketers’ Association that provides certainty for our male and female cricketers, and just recently, a new domestic broadcast rights deals that will see broader TV coverage and significant increases in revenue flowing into the game.

“With these foundations in place, I feel that it is a good time to hand over the reins to a new CEO. My successor will have a strong and stable platform from which to lead our national strategy and to deliver on our bold aspirations to grow cricket as Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians.

“As it has been over the last 20 years, it will be a privilege and honour to continue to serve the game over the remaining months that I am in office,” said Sutherland.

Peever said he had wanted Sutherland to stay on at least until the broadcast deal was done.

“On behalf of the board and management of Cricket Australia we thank James for his wonderful service to the game.

“James has been instrumental in driving crucial change around the game to make it even stronger for future generations. During his period of leadership, James has retained a strong passion for junior cricket and its fundamental importance in providing sustainable growth to the sport. To that end, cricket has experienced a 228 per cent increase in participation including a near ten-fold increase in female participation.

“Aggregate attendances have increased by 137 per cent, whilst revenue has also increased nearly ten-fold being around $50 million when James commenced in the position, to around $500m today.

“James was heavily involved with the introduction of the highly successful Big Bash League, Women’s Big Bash League and of course Day-Night Test Cricket which has seen record crowds at venues where it is held.

“In the most recent MOU, he was a driver in providing women the opportunity to pursue a fully professional career in cricket, with substantial increases in pay, a landmark achievement in gender equity in sport.

“During his tenure our national squads have secured three men’s and two women’s World Cups, as well as three Women’s World T20 titles.

“James has also played a lead role in recent years to improve the Future Tours Program. Following a long process, the ICC and other member countries have approved initiatives to be introduced in 2019 that will see greater structure and context for the Test and ODI formats of the game.

“In addition to an extraordinary list of achievements at CA, James has also coached his three children, and previously at Victorian Premier Cricket level. He is an honorary life member of Melbourne University Cricket Club and the Marylebone Cricket Club.

“James’ passion for and dedication to the game is indisputable. The game has never been in a stronger position and we are looking forward to continuing to work with James whilst we conduct a search to find a suitable replacement,” said Mr Peever.