The aftershocks of the ball-tampering incident in Cape Town continued to rattle Australian cricket as Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland decided to stand down from his position on Wedensday, putting an end to his 17-year long stay at the helm.
Sutherland has given a 12 months’ notice period and will continue to hold his position until the time CA finds a suitable replacement.
Sutherland, a former accountant and medium-fast bowler who played a handful of first-class matches, joined Cricket Australia in 1998 as a general manager.
He took over as chief executive three years later when Malcolm Speed left and has been a constant presence in the game ever since.
Speaking on his decision, Sutherland said he felt the time was right to step down.
“After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia, the time is right. I feel very comfortable that this is the right time for me and a good time for the game.
The pressure on Sutherland was mounting after the infamous ball-tampering episode in Cape Town in March that led to the suspension of captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft eventually leading to the stepping down of head coach Darren Lehmann. Sutherland is the fourth casualty, adding to that list.
However, Sutherland denied the ball-tampering affair played a role in his decision. "It certainly was a big issue at the time," he told reporters in Melbourne. "But when you work in an industry and a rich environment as we do, as chief executive of a major sport, these things come from time to time. It hasn't had a bearing on my decision.”
"My successor will have a strong and stable platform from which to lead our national strategy and to deliver on our bold aspirations to grow cricket as Australia's favourite sport and a sport for all Australians," said Sutherland.
Asked why he was not leaving immediately, Sutherland said he wanted a smooth transition.
"I think that having been in the role for 17 years, there are things that I've come to know along the way, that it's only appropriate for me to work closely with my successor.
"But at the same time, I'll be looking to get out of their way as quickly as possible as well."
Cricket NSW chairman John Warn stood down from his role this week and has been touted as a potential replacement, along with Sutherland's deputy Kevin Roberts.
Cricket Australia chairman David Peever applauded Sutherland for what he had achieved.
"James has been instrumental in driving crucial change around the game to make it even stronger for future generations," he said.
Peever said under Sutherland cricket had experienced a 228 percent increase in participation including a near 10-fold increase in women playing the game.
He was also heavily involved with the introduction of the highly-successful Big Bash League and day-night Test cricket, which has seen record crowds at venues where it is held.
"Aggregate attendances have increased by 137 percent, whilst revenue has also increased nearly 10-fold being around Aus$50 million (US$38 million) when James commenced in the position, to around Aus$500 million today," said Peever.