Englishman Nick Hockley has become permanent chief executive of Cricket Australia ©Getty Images

Englishman Nick Hockley has been appointed as the permanent chief executive of Cricket Australia after serving in an interim capacity.

Hockley took over from Kevin Roberts in June last year and oversaw last summer's international and domestic competitions despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Previously, as chief executive of the Organising Committee, Hockley had successfully delivered the Women's T20 World Cup, which drew a record crowd for the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground shortly before the pandemic arrived in Australia.

One of Hockley's most recent challenges has been dealing with political issues involved in the return of Australian players from the coronavrius-hit Indian Premier League.

"Over the past 12 months, I have learnt first-hand about the breadth, scale and importance of the role," he said.

Hockley has already overseen an Australian summer where the national teams were able to play series despite difficulties posed by the coronavirus crisis ©Getty Images
Hockley has already overseen an Australian summer where the national teams were able to play series despite difficulties posed by the coronavirus crisis ©Getty Images

"My approach has been and will continue to be to bring people across the game together, as I believe this is fundamental to achieving our full potential.

"The change and complexity brought about by COVID-19 has created lots of challenges, but also plenty of opportunities.

"By working together with our partners across the game, I feel confident and optimistic about cricket’s ability to rise to the challenges of the modern world and thrive."

Cricket Australia’s chair, Earl Eddings, commented: "Nick was named interim CEO at an incredibly challenging period for Australian sport, and society in general, and there were many instances where the once-in-a-generation obstacles in his path must have seemed overwhelming. 

"But through his leadership, resolve, work ethic and vision for the game, Australian Cricket emerged stronger than ever.  

"For that, Nick deserves enormous credit."