Cricket Australia CEO 'to be axed' after virus backlash

Cricket Australia's board is on the cusp of removing Kevin Roberts as chief executive after a tumultuous chapter that has disappointed stakeholders and left staff deeply disgruntled.

Roberts is yet to be given his marching orders, but it's believed to be a case of when rather than if.

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CA's board is expected to meet during the next 24 hours to discuss interim measures as they seek to hit the reset button and mend relationships that have strained during recent months.

Roberts was appointed in October 2018 following James Sutherland's 17-year tenure.

CA cuts ramped up pressure on Roberts

The pressure on Roberts has steadily increased since April 16, when he shocked staff by informing them that the vast majority would be stood down for the rest of the financial year.

The governing body has since debated its financial position and projections with the players' union and state associations, seeking to cut costs by 25 per cent across the board.

The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), which memorably rowed with Roberts while he was the chief negotiator during the 2017 pay spat, and several states have questioned the numbers and need for such drastic action.

Roberts repeatedly insisted that belt-tightening measures were prudent because the COVID-19 pandemic had cast doubt over so many elements of this summer, having initially warned workers that CA risked running out of money in August.

CA staff are still anxiously waiting for the governing body to reveal the extent of redundancies.

CA workers, understandably keen to learn whether they will be back on deck come July 1 or let go, had been expecting an update of substance from Roberts on Wednesday.