The head of Australian cricket has left his post less than two months before the Ashes start as turmoil hits the sport’s governing body.
Cricket Australia Chairman Earl Eddings has resigned a day before the governing body’s Annual General Meeting and will not stand for re-election as a board member.
CA confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday, revealing director Richard Freudenstein will take over as Chair on a short-term interim basis, until a full-time replacement is appointed.
The ICC T20 Cricket World Cup starts Oct 17 and you can catch the first round on us with Kayo Freebies. Get the play underway at kayosports.com.au/freebies
Eddings has been on the CA board for 13 years and took over as Chair when David Peever resigned because of the fallout from the 2018 ball tampering scandal and subsequent review into the culture of Australian cricket.
Eddings’ resignation comes less than two months before the first Ashes Test is scheduled to start in Brisbane.
According to reports, Eddings had lost the support of key states NSW, Queensland and Western Australia, who were planning to oppose his bid for a second term at the helm of Australian cricket.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to be able to serve the sport I love as a Cricket Australia director,” Eddings said in CA’s statement.
“In that time, and particularly during my time as Chair, we have navigated some of the sport’s greatest challenges, including rebuilding the trust and reputation of Australian cricket after the Newlands incident and, more recently, the enormous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on domestic and international cricket.
“It is my sincere hope that following my resignation the State and Territory associations can unite and work together in the best interests of cricket, allowing the focus to return to the sport ahead of the 2021-22 season.
“My passion for the game is undiminished and I look forward to cheering on our men and women, boys and girls on every stage – from the forthcoming Ashes Tests to weekend club cricket – over the coming summer and beyond.”
CA said a permanent replacement for Eddings will hopefully be installed by the end of the year.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
