Nick Hockley’s tenure as chief executive of Cricket Australia (CA) will be remembered as one defined by both significant challenges and notable achievements. Announcing his decision to step down in March 2025, Hockley leaves behind a legacy shaped by navigating the sport through one of its most difficult periods in modern history.

Leading Through a Global Crisis

Hockley’s rise to the top job was anything but conventional. In the early throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, he stepped into the role on an interim basis after the abrupt departure of Kevin Roberts. The pandemic had thrown global sports into disarray, and cricket was no exception. Hockley’s leadership during this time was crucial in ensuring that the game continued, even as border closures and public health concerns threatened to bring the sport to a halt.

One of his early successes was overseeing the 2020-21 Test series against India. This series was vital not just for the prestige of Australian cricket but for its financial health. By ensuring the series went ahead, Hockley helped secure the revenues needed to keep the sport afloat during an otherwise bleak period. His successful navigation through this period earned him the position on a full-time basis in May 2021.

Facing Broadcasting Challenges and Strategic Successes

Hockley’s time as CA’s chief executive wasn’t without its conflicts. One of the more high-profile issues was the stand-off with broadcaster Channel Seven, which sought a discount amidst the pandemic’s disruption. Despite the tension, Hockley managed to repair relationships to a degree, culminating in a new seven-year broadcast deal with both Seven and Foxtel in 2023. While the deal did not bring a significant increase in value, it ensured continued stability for cricket’s broadcast in Australia.

Under his leadership, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with players was renewed without the acrimony that had marked previous negotiations, notably the 2017 dispute. This new agreement included substantial pay increases for women’s cricket, reflecting a broader trend during Hockley’s tenure of promoting gender equality within the sport.

Navigating Leadership Transitions and Controversies

The latter years of Hockley’s leadership saw him navigate several high-profile controversies. The departure of Tim Paine as Test captain, just before the 2021-22 Ashes, could have derailed the team. However, the smooth transition to Pat Cummins, who has since led Australia with distinction, was a testament to the careful management behind the scenes.

Perhaps the most challenging episode was the fallout with former head coach Justin Langer. The split was anything but amicable, yet Hockley managed to keep the team focused and successful on the field, even as questions lingered about the boardroom dynamics.

Hockley’s attempts to lift David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban, stemming from the ball-tampering scandal in 2018, also became a focal point of his tenure. The process ultimately faltered when Warner withdrew his appeal, citing undue pressure to relive the Newlands incident. This episode highlighted the difficulties in balancing player welfare with public accountability.

Legacy of On-Field Success and Off-Field Initiatives

Despite the off-field challenges, Hockley’s tenure coincided with a period of significant on-field success for Australian cricket. The men’s and women’s teams both claimed T20 and ODI World Cup titles, with the men also securing the World Test Championship and the women taking gold at the Commonwealth Games. Under his watch, the Australian men’s team also returned to Pakistan in 2022 for the first time since 1998, a landmark moment for international cricket.

Beyond the trophies, Hockley championed initiatives aimed at broadening cricket’s appeal. His leadership in implementing CA’s Multicultural Action Plan was particularly noteworthy. This initiative sought to engage Australia’s South Asian communities, both in terms of participation and attendance, recognising the shifting demographics of the country and the need for cricket to remain inclusive and accessible.

Looking Ahead

As Hockley prepares to step down, Cricket Australia will soon begin the search for his successor. The organisation has indicated that this will be a global search, although Todd Greenberg, the current CEO of the Australia Cricketers’ Association, is widely tipped as a potential candidate if he is interested in the role.

Reflecting on his decision, Hockley acknowledged that the timing felt right. “This was a difficult decision, however following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge,” he said.

As he prepares for his final season at the helm, which will include another highly anticipated Test series against India and the hosting of the Women’s Ashes, Hockley’s focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for the next chapter in Cricket Australia’s history.