MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Kevin Roberts CEO of Cricket Australia speaks as the Australian Women's T20 World Cup team celebrate after winning the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final, at Federation Square on March 09, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Cricket Australia has sacked CEO Kevin Roberts effective immediately, with Nick Hockley appointed as interim CEO while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.
Roberts has been in the firing line recently for his handling of the COVID-19 crisis, which included issuing an 80 per cent pay cut to 200 staff in April.
With the successful return of the NRL and AFL in recent weeks and the overall state of COVID-19 in Australia, many in the game have questioned whether Roberts overreacted on the impact of the pandemic on Cricket Australia.
"Kevin has worked tirelessly since taking on the role in difficult circumstances in 2018, and particularly during the challenges of the past few months," CA chairman Earl Eddings said.
"He is a man of principle who has always put the best interests of cricket first. We wish him all the best for his future."
"It's been a privilege to lead and serve the sport I love as CEO of Cricket Australia," Roberts said.
"Our team of staff and players are outstanding people who contribute so much to the game and I'm proud of what we've achieved together."
Cricket Australia are hopeful that this summer's marquee four-test series with India will go ahead, with large crowds a major possibility as COVID-19 restrictions have started to lift across the country.