Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts has been forced out of his role in the wake of his mismanagement of the COVID-19 crisis. Roberts was forced to resign by the Cricket Australia board after a tumultuous 18-month reign that included a $27.5 million budget cut. The board moved to appoint T20 World Cup boss Nick Hockley interim chairman. The move comes at a critical time for the sport who will be expected to postpone the ICC T20 World Cup.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brutally exposed the shortcomings of some of Australia’s biggest sporting organisations. Roberts joins former Rugby League CEO Todd Greenberg and Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle on the list of sports bosses who have been dumped in the last two months.

Roberts didn’t begrudge the circumstances of his departure, praising the organisation in a statement.

“It’s been a privilege to lead and serve the sport I love as CEO of Cricket Australia. Our team of staff and players are outstanding people who contribute so much to the game and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”