Hockley to quit as Cricket Australia CEO

He initially took on the role on an interim basis during the early days of COVID

Nick Hockley has announced his resignation as Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive, effective March 2025.

Hockley initially took on the CEO role on an interim basis during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hockley was made the permanent CEO in May 2021, having successfully navigated the challenges of the 2020-21 season, including border closures and hosting a crucial Test series against India that ensured the financial stability of Australian cricket.

“This decision was challenging, but with a promising summer ahead and our five-year strategic plan well underway, it’s the right time for me to seek new challenges. This also provides ample time for the Board to appoint a new CEO to build on the strong foundations we’ve established,” Hockley stated. “I remain fully committed to the upcoming season and will support the Board in ensuring a smooth transition.”

Hockley’s final season at CA will feature a five-Test series against India and the Women’s Ashes in January.

Seifert sign BBL deal

Melbourne Renegades have signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert on two-year deal as a pre-draft BBL signing.

Seifert, 29, will have full availability across those two seasons as Renegades look to improve on last season’s seventh place finish. His BBL deal means he will miss at least part of the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, and won’t be in contention for the white-ball series against Pakistan over Christmas and New Year. Last month he turned down a domestic contract with Northern Districts in order to open up freelance T20 opportunities.

Seifert has played three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand while has also been part of T20 leagues around the world. Overall in the format he averages 27.43 with a strike-rate of 130.12 including three centuries. Last month he finished as the leading run-scorer in the Lanka Premier League with 400 at 57.14 and a strike-rate of 135.13.

“I’m thrilled to be here for the next two seasons, I’ll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on that deeper level which doesn’t often happen in franchise cricket so I’m excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least,” Seifert said.

“That top three spot would be outstanding and if Cam [White] feels like I’m the man to take the gloves I’ll be ready for that too. At the same time, I’m ready to fit in and play whatever role Whitey and the Renegades need me to play.”

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten added: “Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program, so we’re excited to welcome into the club.

“The beauty is Tim has full availability which is extremely valuable for topline overseas players this BBL season and its fantastic for our club to lock in Tim and still retain our prized Platinum pick.”

Richardson joins Scorchers

Jhye Richardson has been included in the Perth Scorchers’ squad for the Top End T20 tournament in Darwin. Richardson is the most prominent addition to the team, which predominantly consists of younger players who are on the periphery of the Big Bash League (BBL) and Western Australia squads, along with some members from the WA academy.

Richardson, who received a Cricket Australia contract in March, has not played domestically since sustaining an injury during the BBL. He will be joined by fellow pace bowler Matt Kelly, whose season was also cut short by injury. The squad will be captained by batter Sam Fanning, and Baxter Holt, who recently transferred to Western Australia from New South Wales, is also included.

The Top End competition will also feature teams such as Northern Territory Strike, Pakistan Shaheens, ACT, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, and a Bangladesh High Performance side.