Melbourne, Jun 6 (IANS): Following the infamous ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australian cricket, Cricket Australia's turbulent times do not seem to be over. Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Sutherland announced his resignation on Wednesday after a 17-year stint.
Sutherland's resignation has come a week ahead of the national team's ODI series opener against England in London and more than two months on from the ball-tampering crisis and amid an independent cultural review into CA.
Sutherland has provided 12 months' notice and will continue in his current position until a suitable replacement is found, according to a CA statement.
"After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia, the time is right. I feel very comfortable that this is the right time for me and a good time for the game," Sutherland said in a press release.
"In the last 12 months we have laid key foundation stones which have included a new strategy for Australian cricket, a new MoU with the Australian Cricketers' Association that provides certainty for our male and female cricketers, and just recently, a new domestic broadcast rights deals that will see broader TV coverage and significant increases in revenue flowing into the game.
"With these foundations in place, I feel that it is a good time to hand over the reins to a new CEO. My successor will have a strong and stable platform from which to lead our national strategy and to deliver on our bold aspirations to grow cricket as Australia's favourite sport and a sport for all Australians.
"As it has been over the last 20 years, it will be a privilege and honour to continue to serve the game over the remaining months that I am in office," he added.
The 52-year-old Sutherland took over the reins at CA from Malcolm Speed in July 2001, having been employed with the organisation as Chief Financial Officer.
It has been a tumultuous period for Australian cricket, with the resignation of national men's team coach Darren Lehmann also part of the fallout from the ball-tampering affair, for which leadership duo Steve Smith and David Warner were each banned for a year.
Young opener Cameron Bancroft, who was the main culprit in the sandpaper gate was banned for nine months.