Mike Baird has resigned as chair of Cricket Australia after losing the support of his home state, New South Wales, amid the push to bring private investment into the Big Bash League. He stepped down on Monday.

Earlier this month, Cricket Australia announced that private investors would enter the BBL from the 2027-28 season, starting with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades franchise. Cricket New South Wales opposed the move, warning it could cut funding for grassroots cricket.

Baird, the former NSW premier, told the board he would not seek re-election at the AGM in late October. He has been chair since February 2023.

“After much consideration I have decided to stand down as CA chair and director,” Baird said in a statement. He added that Australian cricket “continues to be well led by the CA Board.”

Former Test opener David Boon will take over as interim chair at the October 28 AGM while the board finds a permanent successor. Cricket Australia said the privatisation plan would continue as approved.

Why it matters: the leadership shake-up tests whether Australia’s bold experiment with private BBL investment can hold together.