August 6, 2024

Renegades Sign ‘Double Threat’ Seifert on Two-Year Deal

The Melbourne Renegades have signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert to a two-year deal as a pre-draft BBL signing. At 29, Seifert will be available for both seasons of the BBL, which is a boost for the Renegades as they aim to improve on their seventh-place finish from last season.

Seifert’s BBL commitment means he will miss part of New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, the Super Smash, and will not be available for the white-ball series against Pakistan over the Christmas and New Year period. He recently chose not to renew his contract with Northern Districts to pursue freelance T20 opportunities.

Seifert has played three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand and has been active in T20 leagues worldwide. He has an average of 27.43 with a strike rate of 130.12, including three centuries. Last month, he was the top run-scorer in the Lanka Premier League with 400 runs at an average of 57.14 and a strike rate of 135.13.

For the Renegades, Seifert is expected to be part of a powerful top three alongside Josh Brown, who joined from Brisbane Heat, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. He is also a strong candidate to take over the wicketkeeping role, which was shared by Quinton de Kock and Jordan Cox last season.

“I’m thrilled to be here for the next two seasons, I’ll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on that deeper level which doesn’t often happen in franchise cricket so I’m excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least,” Seifert said.

“That top three spot would be outstanding and if Cam [White] feels like I’m the man to take the gloves I’ll be ready for that too. At the same time, I’m ready to fit in and play whatever role Whitey and the Renegades need me to play.”

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten added: “Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program, so we’re excited to welcome into the club.

“The beauty is Tim has full availability which is extremely valuable for topline overseas players this BBL season and its fantastic for our club to lock in Tim and still retain our prized Platinum pick.”

The BBL draft will take place on September 1. Renegades have pick numbers 2, 10, 23 and 26.

Nick Hockley to Step Down as Cricket Australia Chief Executive

Nick Hockley has announced that he will step down as Cricket Australia’s chief executive in March 2025, after five years in the role. Hockley, who has worked in Australian cricket for 13 years, initially took on the position on an interim basis during the Covid-19 pandemic. He stepped in after Kevin Roberts resigned amid controversy over Cricket Australia’s handling of the crisis, which included a significant staff stand-down.

Hockley was appointed as the permanent CEO in May 2021. During his tenure, he successfully managed the 2020-21 cricket season despite border closures and challenges, including hosting the Test series against India, which was crucial for the sport’s financial stability.

“This was a difficult decision, however following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the Board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place,” Hockley said.

“This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focussed on the season ahead and supporting the Board on succession and a smooth transition.”

Nick Hockley’s final season as Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive will feature a five-Test series against India and the hosting of the Women’s Ashes in January.

During his tenure, Hockley faced several challenges. These included navigating the pandemic and managing a dispute with broadcaster Channel Seven, who initially sought a discount. Relations with Seven improved, and they remain a long-term partner, though the new seven-year deal signed in 2023 with Seven and Foxtel did not significantly increase its value.

Hockley also oversaw a successful negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that included substantial pay increases for women’s cricket, a significant improvement over the 2017 agreement. He dealt with the departure of Test captain Tim Paine just before the 2021-22 Ashes series, but the transition to Pat Cummins was smooth. Additionally, he managed the contentious split with head coach Justin Langer.

Hockley tried to overturn David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban, but this effort fell apart in late 2022 after Warner withdrew his case under pressure.

Under Hockley’s leadership, Australian cricket enjoyed considerable success, including T20 and ODI World Cup victories for both the men’s and women’s teams, the men’s World Test Championship win, and gold for the women at the Commonwealth Games. Notably, the men’s team also toured Pakistan for the first time since 1998.

One of Hockley’s key initiatives was the Multicultural Action Plan, aimed at increasing participation and attendance among South Asian communities.

“As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability,” CA chair Mike Baird said. “Under Nick’s leadership, several major deals are now in place – many for the next seven years – and the game is set up for continued success.

“As Nick says, his full focus is on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners and the whole of Australian Cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down from the role next year.”

Before quickly being promoted to chief executive of Cricket Australia (CA), Nick Hockley was the CEO of the 2020 T20 Women’s World Cup committee, which organized a record-breaking tournament in Australia. He also worked on the 2015 Men’s World Cup and had experience with the London Olympics.

Cricket Australia will conduct a global search for Hockley’s successor. However, Todd Greenberg, the current CEO of the Australia Cricketers’ Association, is expected to be a strong candidate if he is interested in the position.