Mumbai, October 20: Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley has announced his resignation after five years at the helm and will step down from his post in March next year following the conclusion of the current season. As per Sydney Morning Herald's report, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird and fellow directors informed Hockey that he was not seen as a long-term option and offered him the opportunity to exit on amicable terms. Nathan Lyon Motivated To ‘Promote’ Spin Bowling in Australia After Shane Warne’s Death.

"Hockley advised CA's board of his intended departure after chair Mike Baird and fellow directors had decided that they did not see him as a long-term CEO, but wanted to give him the chance to exit on his own terms," SMH reported.

“This was a difficult decision,” Hockley was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

“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," he further stated.

With India set to arrive in less than three weeks time for a blockbuster five-Test series, Hockley said that right now goodbye is not on his mind. CA Announces Perth Stadium To Host 2025–26 Ashes Series Opener Between Australia and England From November 21.

“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.”

Among the contenders to replace Hockley, the frontrunner is Cricket Australia's Head of Cricket, James Allsopp. Other names in the running include former CA Head of Broadcast and Commercial Stephanie Beltrame, former women's captain Belinda Clark, and Australian Cricketers' Association CEO Todd Greenberg.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)