Earl Eddings has resigned ahead of the AGM © Getty Images
Earl Eddings has resigned as Cricket Australia chairman and stepped down from the board just 24 hours out from Thursday’s Annual General Meeting.
Eddings had been a director for 13 years and the chairman since 2018 following the resignation of the previous chairman David Peever in the wake of the cultural reviews into Cricket Australia following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
Eddings was facing intense scrutiny in recent weeks with states divided over his desire to serve a second term as chairman with New South Wales and Queensland have already opposed him. Eddings believed standing down was in the best interests of CA.
“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 a 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.”
“I am particularly proud of our collective efforts to overcome the challenges of Covid-19 to stage a hugely successful Indian tour last summer and ensure the Ashes can go ahead this summer. It has been terrific to be involved in the growth of the women’s game in recent years, from the success of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and Women’s Big Bash League to the continued increase in girls taking up our sport. I have also been pleased to strengthen relations with the players through the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA).
“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.
“I would like to extend my thanks to all of those who have worked hard to support the sport, and me personally, during my term as Chair – my fellow directors and the entire Cricket Australia team, the players and coaching staff, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, the State and Territory cricket associations, our commercial and international partners and every club member and volunteer who keeps the sport thriving in the community.
“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.”
Current director Richard Freudenstein has been elected as the interim chairman and will oversee Thursday’s AGM and will serve for a short period until a new chairman is elected.
More to follow
Alex Malcolm is an Associate Editor at ESPNcricinfo
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