Nick Hockley on Tuesday announced that he will step down as Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive in March 2025 after five years of stint.

Hockley, who has worked in the Australian game in various capacities for 13 years, was appointed in an interim capacity early in the Covid-19 outbreak after Kevin Roberts quit due to dissatisfaction with CA’s first handling of the problem, which included a large staff layoff.

He was hired full-time in May 2021 after assisting the game in navigating the 2020-21 season despite border closures, including successfully staging the Test series against India, which ensured the game’s financial viability.

“This was a difficult decision, however following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the Board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place,” Hockley said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focussed on the season ahead and supporting the Board on succession and a smooth transition,” he added.

In Hockley’s final season as CA CEO, India will tour for a five-Test series, as well as the Women’s Ashes in January.

Most recently, Hockley oversaw adjustments to the BBL and WBBL contests to assure their continued great growth in the increasingly competitive T20 global franchise marketplace.

Since taking over as captain five years ago, Hockley has watched Australian cricket win six ICC World Cups: women’s ODI and T20 trophies (2022 and 2023), men’s ODI and T20 World Cups (2023 and 2021), men’s World Test Championship (2023), and men’s under-19s World Cup (2024).

“As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability. Under Nick’s leadership, several major deals are now in place – many for the next seven years – and the game is set up for continued success,” CA chair Mike Baird said.

“As Nick says, his full focus is on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners and the whole of Australian Cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down from the role next year,” he added.