The Board of Cricket Australia has thrown its support behind Chair Earl Eddings for a second term, ahead of next month’s Annual General meeting.
At least two States are believed to be against the move, which could mean a split across State lines when stakeholders meet at the AGM to, among other business, vote on Eddings’ reappointment as an independent director of the Board at the AGM next month.
Eddings replaced former Chair David Peever at the end of 2018 as part of widespread organisational change in the aftermath of the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.
It is highly unusual for a CA Chair to hold the position beyond a single term and Cricket NSW and Queensland Cricket are keen for a change at the top but the Board’s unanimous endorsement all but guarantees Eddings will retain the position if he is re-elected by the majority of States.
Cricket NSW is believed to have the strongest reservations about Eddings' continued tenure but Queensland Cricket presented its annual report at its own AGM earlier this week, in which Chair Chris Simpson stated the State Board had pushed for a “refresh” of the CA Board.
“Queensland Cricket was also involved in discussions on the future make-up of the Cricket Australia Board,” said Simpson in his report. “We advocated that there was an ideal opportunity to refresh the Board with a future focus, including a review of the overall Australian Cricket funding model, and a unified stakeholder position to prioritize the delivery of the national cricket strategy.
“Our input has been acknowledged and reviewed and we eagerly await the national resolution to come.”
Before the State cricket associations vote on October 14, CA’s Nominations Committee must endorse Eddings as a candidate for one of three independent director positions.
If successful, this will be Eddings’ final term, with CA also announcing a succession plan that will see a deputy chair - who will be Eddings’ identified successor - appointed at the end of the 2021-2021 season.
“Earl has provided much-needed leadership stability and strategic vision during the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic,” the Board said in a statement.
“We believe that as we continue to face a challenging and uncertain environment, it is critical to have the stability and proven experience to enable the Board to maintain its strong relationships with the national and international cricket community, our valued sponsors, broadcast partners and all other stakeholders.
“As we work with the State and Territory Cricket Associations on the future of our sport, we understand it is important to identify the next leadership phase for cricket and provide the appropriate support and development to ensure a smooth transition of Board leadership.”
“It is a privilege to chair the Board of Cricket Australia and be part of the team steering our sport through one of the most challenging periods in its history,” said Eddings. “While I am grateful for the Board’s support for my nomination for a second term as Chair, I recognise the benefits for our sport of leadership renewal and fully support the smooth succession plan endorsed by the Board.”
