Peever's Cricket Australia chairmanship to face vote of states

Australian cricket’s state associations have the power to end David Peever’s term as Cricket Australia chairman at the October 25 AGM, in what will be the biggest examination of their reserve controls over the governing body since its board moved from 14 state-appointed delegates to nine independent directors in 2012.

Alongside Lachlan Henderson, Bob Every’s replacement as the Western Australia-tied director, and the Queensland-based Michael Kasprowicz, Peever will stand for re-election by a two-thirds majority of the “Members” of CA, namely the six states. The AGM has come to be considered something of a rubber stamp to the financial year for CA, but this will be the first time an independent chairman stands for re-election to helm the game.

While Peever had already secured the approval of his fellow directors to continue as chairman for a further three years, he must be voted back into his seat on the board by the states in order to become only the second chairman to serve consecutive three-year terms since the Second World War. The only other chairman to do so was Denis Rogers from 1995 to 2001, a period of rare success for Australian cricket.

Peever’s chairmanship has been far bumpier, and has faced renewed scrutiny following revelations of the circumstances surrounding Every’s departure in May. The correspondence from the former Wesfarmers chairman has revealed he had called Peever’s performance “substandard” and that he was resigning in protest at the former Rio Tinto Australia managing director gaining another term as chairman, accepting that he was a “solitary voice” on the board in opposition.

“As you all know, I recently had a major falling out with the chairman and found his comments to me offensive and insulting. The way he handled the issue of my standing for re-election is just another example of what I regard as his sub-standard performance as a chairman,” Every wrote. “In my opinion his handling of the MoU, the media negotiations, his ‘fake’ resignation and particularly his handling of succession planning for the CEO leave a lot to be desired.”

At the time of James Sutherland’s announcement that he was to resign as chief executive after 17 years, Peever explained why he wished to continue. “The Board has asked me to do another term [as chairman] and I’ve agreed to do that,” he said. “I think at times like this continuity is important.

“So we have transition to a new CEO, we have leadership changes in the Australia men’s set-up, we have a massive summer coming up which we’re all excited about, we have a World Cup and Ashes next year, we’ve got a World T20 in 2020, we’ve got new financial models, we’ve got new broadcasters. So on the basis of all those things going on, with James transitioning out, I’ve agreed to do another term.”

In addition to granting provisional approval for Peever’s second term, the CA nominations committee, composed of the WACA chairman Dr Ken Michael, the Queensland Cricket chairman Sal Vasta, and the board directors Michelle Tredenick and Earl Eddings (committee chairman), agreed upon the former WACA chairman Henderson, who lives in Melbourne, to replace Every.

“We are privileged to welcome Lachlan back into the cricket fold, and confident that he will add an exceptional skillset on the Board,” Peever said. “Lachlan made a considerable impact on WA cricket, not just in his year as Chairman, but throughout his three years on the WACA Board. His knowledge of the game, and business acumen will ensure that we continue to realise our vision of being Australia’s favourite sport.”

Henderson described the game as being in good overall health despite “well publicised” challenges over the past 18 months. “While the recent challenges have been well publicised, Cricket is in a very strong position in Australia with record participants and new broadcast partners,” he said. “I am excited about the role I can play to better the connection with the sport and its fans and look forward to working with fellow Directors to continue to improve and strengthen the position of the game.”

Previously, Henderson worked briefly alongside the WACA chief executive Christina Matthews. “We are pleased to have Lachlan back involved in cricket and representing us on the Cricket Australia Board,” she said. “He made a significant impact during his involvement with the WACA, both as Chairman and Board Member, and helped instigate an important period of change for the Association.

“As we embark on an exciting chapter of cricket in WA, with moving major matches to Optus Stadium and the WACA Ground development, it is fitting to have Lachlan back in the mix. Not only does he have a passion and knowledge for the game, but his business experience will help ensure we continue to on the path to becoming Australian’s favourite sport.

“Lachlan will travel back to Perth from Melbourne on a regular basis, to meet with the WACA Board to ensure the needs of WA Cricket are being heard at the national level.”

Meanwhile the process for finding Sutherland’s replacement as CA’s longtime chief executive is ambling towards its final stages, with interviews for the final four candidates expected to take place later this week. The quartet is believed to include the Melbourne Grand Prix chairman and CA director John Harnden, the former NSW chairman and Westfield executive John Warn, the CA chief operating officer Kevin Roberts and another name from outside cricket.

Elsewhere, Victoria have named their new chairman Paul Barker, who replaces Russell Thomas, while the player agent Neil Maxwell is a notable addition to the NSW Board following his bridge-building role in last year’s MoU dispute between CA and the Australian Cricketers Association.

“The ACA is passionate about the future of Australian cricket and the opportunity for positive change,” Maxwell said. “In most issues facing the game, the ACA and the administrators see eye-to-eye; we all want what is best for cricket. If I can be a ‘bridge’ between the players and the administrators, that is a role I welcome.”