David Boon named Cricket Australia interim chair as Mike Baird prepares to step down

Melbourne, 28 September 2026: Former Australian Test star David Boon will take over as Cricket Australia’s interim chair after Mike Baird confirmed he will step down from the organisation’s board following its Annual General Meeting on October 28.

Boon, 65, joined the Cricket Australia board in February 2025 and will temporarily lead the governing body while the organisation conducts a formal process to appoint its next permanent chair.

The Tasmanian brings extensive experience across almost every level of Australian cricket, having built a distinguished career as an international player before moving into selection, administration and match officiating.

Boon represented Australia in 107 Tests between 1984 and 1996, scoring 7,422 runs at an average of 43.65. The right-handed batter struck 21 Test centuries and 32 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 200.

He was also a major figure in Australia’s one-day side, playing 181 ODIs and compiling 5,964 runs at 37.04, including five centuries and 37 fifties. Boon was an important member of the Australian team that won the 1987 Cricket World Cup and later became one of the country's most recognisable cricketers of his generation.

His involvement in the sport continued well beyond his playing retirement.

Boon served on Australia’s national selection panel from 2000 until 2011 and was previously Cricket Tasmania’s General Manager of Cricket. He later became an ICC match referee before joining the Cricket Tasmania board, where he spent nine years as a director, including three years as chair.

Boon described his latest appointment as a significant honour and said his focus would be on helping Cricket Australia make decisions that protect the long-term strength of the sport domestically while also representing Australia's interests internationally.

He also acknowledged Baird’s contribution to Australian cricket across both the Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia boards.

Baird has been a Cricket Australia director for six years and has served as chair since February 2023. He said he believed the organisation was in a strong position as he prepared to leave, pointing to growth in revenue, attendance, television audiences and participation.

Cricket Australia said the process of appointing a permanent chair will take place in the months following the AGM.

David Boon, Interim CA Chair said: 

“It is an enormous honour to take the role of Interim CA Chair during what is a hugely exciting and also challenging time for cricket.

“I look forward to leading the CA Board as we continue to make decisions that ensure the long-term health and prosperity of the game here and advancing Australia’s interests globally.”

Mike Baird, outgoing CA Chair said:

“After much consideration I have decided to stand down as CA Chair and Director.

“I am delighted that David Boon has agreed to undertake the Interim Chair role while we complete the formal Chair process, and I will undertake a transition process with David over coming weeks.”