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Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts set to be axed: Report

WION Web Team
New Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Jun 15, 2020, 05:49 PM IST
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Photograph:(AFP)

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Cricket Australia Chief Executive Kevin Roberts is all set to be axed and replaced by an interim CEO after losing the support of the board members over his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Kevin Roberts is all set to be axed and replaced by an interim CEO after losing the support of the board members over his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is not clear who will replace Roberts, the board is not content with how Roberts when cricket was shut due to the dreaded virus. 

Roberts has been subjected to criticism for his handling of the shutdown with his decision to furlough around 80 per cent of staff at the head office in April. State associations that nominate members to the Cricket Association board have pushed back against proposed cuts their grants whereas the players’ union has called for dispute resolution with the governing body following its rejection of revenue estimates that underpins player payments.

State associations unhappy with Roberts

Apparently, CA’s decision to not put Perth as a venue for the four-match Test series against India later in the year angered Western Australia’s state association. Earlier, Robert said that the CA stood to lose A$80 million ($54.55 million) due to COVID-19, with fans barred from stadiums and T20 World Cup likely to be postponed. 

However, with India tour all but confirmed and spectators also expected to return to stadiums in some capacity, Roberts has been accused of combining a financial disaster.

"The good news for cricket has put further pressure on Roberts with states and players emboldened about their claims the game is not facing a financial crisis," an Australian daily reported.

Roberts would be the third CEO of major Australian sport to lose a job during COVID-19 pandemic with National Rugby League chief Todd Greenberg and Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle stepping down recently.