Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman David Peever has resigned in the wake of a review into the board’s governance and culture.
The review by Simon Longstaff of The Ethics Center, released Monday, said administrators should bear as much blame as captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft for the “win-at-all-costs” culture which led to the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
The attempt by Bancroft to use sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball during the test match, with the knowledge of Smith and Warner, caused “grief” among the Australian public, Longstaff said.
CA had addressed some of its perceived shortcomings ahead of the review. Chief executive James Sutherland has left after 17 years and Pat Howard, the high-performance manager, has said he will not seek to extend his contract beyond mid-2019.
New Australia coach Justin Langer and captain Tim Paine are charged with changing the culture within the Australian team.
Peever, who was recently re-elected for another three-year term, will be replaced by deputy chair Earl Eddings for the interim period until a permanent appointment can be made.
Eddings said: “We thank David for his service. He has played a pivotal role in the elevation of women’s cricket, and the significant growth in attendance and participation.
“He should also be acknowledged for his efforts in improving funding to the ICC full member nations outside Australia, England and India; overhauling governance of the ICC and reforming the Future Tours program, among a long list of achievements.
“We look forward to continuing the important process of recovering and rebuilding for Cricket Australia and Australian Cricket.
“The board is keenly aware that we have a way to go to earn back the trust of the cricket community. We and the executive team are determined to make cricket stronger.”
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