Former Australia batter David Boon will assume the interim chair position at the organisation’s annual general meeting in late October.

Baird, a former New South Wales premier, informed the Cricket Australia board that he would not seek re-election after losing support from his home state concerning the initiative to introduce private investment into the BBL.

Boon, who joined the Cricket Australia board in 2025, will take on the interim role while the governing body initiates the process to appoint a permanent successor.

Baird had served as Cricket Australia chair since February 2023. He was nominated to the board by New South Wales, which later indicated it would no longer support his nomination or back him for an independent board position.

In a statement quoted by Cricinfo, Baird said: “After much consideration, I have decided to stand down as CA chair and director. I am delighted that David Boon has agreed to undertake the interim chair role while we complete the formal chair process, and I will undertake a transition process with David over the coming weeks.”

He added, “I have been incredibly proud to play a role in the oversight of cricket on the CNSW board and, over the last six years, the CA board, including almost four as chair.”

Baird and Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg have led efforts to attract private funding for the BBL under a “self-determination” model allowing each state to decide its strategy. However, New South Wales strongly opposes the plan, advocating for alternative revenue-generation methods instead of private investment.

The Cricket Australia board approved the privatisation process for the BBL earlier this month. The Melbourne Renegades are expected to be the first club to be sold, potentially before the end of the year.

Regarding his resignation, Baird stated, “This year CA will report record revenue, profit, attendance and viewership, and most importantly a 40% increase in participation over the past four years. With recent decisions on the Big Bash, I also believe the long-term sustainability is assured.”

He also expressed gratitude towards Australian players, saying, “I also want to thank the Australian players, and especially the captains I worked closely with: Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, Alyssa Healy and Sophie Molineux, who have not just inspired on the field with their results, but shown future generations what it means to have character.”

Baird added, “I believe Australian cricket continues to be well led by the CA board. Their mix of significant experience and passion for the game gives me great confidence for the future. Finally, I want to thank the CEO, Todd Greenberg. I believe Todd is the best sports administrator in the country, and he will undoubtedly set cricket up for success for generations to come.”

His departure also means he will relinquish his role at the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he had developed a close working relationship with chair Jay Shah.

Boon, who played 107 Test matches for Australia, has previously served as an ICC match referee and was a member of Australia's selection panel from 2000 to 2011.

“It is an enormous honour to take the role of interim CA chair during what is a hugely exciting and also challenging time for cricket,” Boon stated, as reported by Cricinfo. “I look forward to leading the CA board as we continue to make decisions that ensure the long-term health and prosperity of the game here and advancing Australia’s interests globally.”

He further expressed appreciation for Baird, saying, “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mike for his commitment and leadership as a passionate advocate for Australian cricket from grassroots clubs right through to the Cricket Australia and ICC boardrooms and all in between. Mike’s efforts to lead Australian cricket, confront the many difficult decisions facing cricket and his influential role at the ICC should be appreciated by everyone throughout the game.”