In marked contrast to a hotly disputed pay negotiation in 2017, Hockley and his ACA counterpart Greenberg nutted out a peaceful pay deal with the players last year, having extended the previous deal by a year to move past COVID-19 and allow for the broadcast deal terms to be known to all.

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An outspoken advocate for diversity in Australian cricket, Hockley developed a genuine bond with Usman Khawaja, and was also close to the national women’s team after serving as chief executive of the 2020 T20 World Cup, where more than 86,000 spectators pack the MCG for the final.

On the field, Hockley was able to enjoy numerous notable successes from the hospitality boxes. These included Australia’s first tour to Pakistan in 24 years, retention of the women’s and men’s Ashes, multiple World Cups for both men and women, a women’s Commonwealth Games gold in his home town of Birmingham in 2022 and a men’s Under-19s World Cup earlier this year.

“As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability,” Baird said. “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.

“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.

“The timing of Nick’s decision allows the board to ensure a smooth transition and we will begin the process of finding and appointing his successor shortly.”

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