Belinda Clark resigns from Cricket Australia community chief post
Former Australia captain Belinda Clark, who had been serving as Cricket Australia’s community chief, announced earlier today that she has decided to step down from her post.
Clark, who has provided over 30 years of service to Cricket, will be officially bowing out on the 30th of November. She has been CA’s Executive General Manager of Community Cricket for the past two-and-half years, and worked in cricket administration for more than 25 years. However, the former Australian Cricketer will continue to serve as the director of the Local Organising Committee for the ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Australia in 2022.
“I have loved my time working for the sport and while this chapter is coming to a close after 20 years with CA, a further 6 years with CNSW and a long-standing member of ICC Women’s Committee, I am committed to finding new ways to give back to the game that has given me so much,” said Clark. “The journey has been exciting and rewarding because of the many amazing people I have worked with across the community, State/Territory Associations and CA. I am grateful for their support and am so proud of what we have achieved together.
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“My dream is to help young girls develop the confidence, skills and courage to step forward when leadership opportunities arise. This shift in my focus is timely as we navigate through significant global challenges – many of which need strong local and diverse voices to overcome,” added Clark.
In 2011, she was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, and became the first female player inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame three years later. Clark was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2018. The Belinda Clark Award, which recognises Australia’s best female cricketer every year, is named in her honour.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim Chief Executive, was full of praise for the two-time World Cup-winning captain. He said, “Belinda’s impact across Australian Cricket has positioned her as one of Australia’s most influential leaders of our time. The benefits female cricketers enjoy today – professional support teams, an international schedule of matches, significant salary increases – are all changes advocated and shaped by Belinda.
“Everyone across Australian Cricket will miss working with Belinda, but we wish her all the best and know that she will continue to inspire young cricketers around the world, just as we shall continue to celebrate her immense contribution to the game.
“On a personal note, I would particularly like to thank Belinda for her leadership as a Director of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Local Organising Committee (LOC) and am thrilled that we shall continue to work together in the build up to the men’s T20 World Cup which has now been postponed until 2022,” concluded Hockley.