Nick Hockley will stand down as Cricket Australia’s chief executive at the end of the upcoming summer, ending his five-year tenure in the role.

On Tuesday afternoon, CA confirmed that Hockley had advised the Board he would not continue as chief executive beyond March next year.

“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 in a statement.

“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.”

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Hockley, who has worked in Australian cricket for nearly 13 years, was appointed CA chief executive on an interim basis following the departure of Kevin Roberts in June 2020 before taking over the role permanently in May 2021. He navigated the sport through the Covid-19 pandemic before overseeing Tim Paine’s resignation as Test captain and Justin Langer’s messy exit as national men’s coach during the 2021/22 summer.

During Hockley’s tenure, CA penned a seven-year broadcast rights deal worth $1.5 billion with Foxtel and Seven before securing a $360 million Indian rights deal with Disney Star. Last year, he helped CA reach a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, which included a significant pay increase for the nation’s professional female players.

Hockley was also instrumental to Australia’s first Test tour of Pakistan in 24 years, with Pat Cummins’ side winning the historic three-match series 1-0 in 2022.

CA Chair Mike Baird confirmed Hockley would will remain chief executive until a successor is appointed.

Former NRL boss Todd Greenberg looms as a leading candidate, along with CA’s newly-appointed Chief of Cricket James Allsopp. Big Bash boss Alistair Dobson, Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins, Queensland Cricket Terry Svenson and former WA Cricket boss Christina Matthews have also been touted as options.

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

“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.”