Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland resigns

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has resigned.
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Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has resigned.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has announced his resignation, giving 12 months' notice.

After 17 years at the helm, Sutherland announced his departure on Wednesday morning with the news coming two months after national coach Darren Lehmann resigned following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Sutherland, a former first-class cricketer with Victoria, was appointed in 2001 as Malcolm Speed's successor at the then Australian Cricket Board.

"After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia and 17 years as chief executive the time is right for me and my family," Sutherland told reporters, flanked by chairman David Peever.

 

"My successor will have a strong and stable platform to lead our sport and deliver on our bold aspirations for cricket to be Australia's favourite spot and a sport for all Australians," Sutherland said on Wednesday.

"My overwhelming feeling today is a sense of gratitude. I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to be given this job.

"I thank David and his five predecessors for having the confidence in me and their friendship, support and counsel."