Mike Baird to become Cricket Australia chairman following Lachlan Henderson's departure

Cricket Australia are set to appoint former NSW premier Mike Baird as the new chairman after the incumbent Lachlan Henderson announced his departure following a move into the corporate world back home in Perth. The appointment means that Baird becomes the fourth different chair in the last one and a half years for Cricket Australia.

The outgoing Lachlan Henderson was appointed chair earlier this year after the resignation of Earl Eddings in October 2021. However, Henderson will remain a part of the board in a different capacity. Henderson will be moving to his hometown in Perth, which was one of the reasons he stepped down from his role.

"The new role I've taken in my home city Perth will make it difficult to devote the time required as Chair, so I have decided this is the right time to hand over the role," Henderson said in an official statement.

Lachlan's successor Mike Baird is no stranger to high-profile positions having served as a state premier previously, making him one of the highest-profile chairs in Cricket Australia’s history. Baird praised the departing chair for his contribution to Australian cricket and is looking forward to working alongside him. Baird will take up the new role in February next year and will have a major role to play in the ongoing negotiations for broadcast rights. 

"Lachlan has made a great contribution as Chair and I'm delighted he will continue to provide his considerable business and cricket expertise on the CA Board. It is an honour to take such an important role in Australian cricket at a time when so much exciting work is being done to grow our national sport and take it forward. I'm pleased to have the chance to work even more closely with CEO Nick Hockley and his team and all those working across Australian cricket," Mike Baird said in an official statement to the CA.