A new five-year strategy has brought critical milestones for the sport after 12 months, the Cricket AGM heard today as the annual report was published.
 
The 2017-18 financial year resulted in an operating surplus of $8.3 million compared with an operating deficit of $50.8 million last financial year, helped by growth in participation and attendance 
  
The new broadcast deal has allowed CA to allocate $35 million over the next three years to grow and support community cricket, building from the foundations laid over the last 12 months.
 
The 2017-18 National Cricket Census showed 1,558,821 Australians engaged in cricket competitions or programs - an increase of nine percent from the previous year.
 
Thirty percent of cricket’s participants are now female, whilst six in every 10 new participants are female, one of the highest year-on-year participation growth figures CA has experienced.
 
More than 2.3 million people attended cricket during the 2017-18 summer, witnessing both men’s and women’s ashes secured, surpassing the record of 1.8 million set in 2016-17.

Cricket Australia Chairman David Peever hailed the results and also paid tribute to James Sutherland who has quit as CA Chief Executive. 

“Overall, the past year has heralded another year of strong financial performance for Australian cricket, and in April we were pleased to announce a new six-year broadcast rights agreement with the Seven Network and Fox Sports," said Peever.
 
“This strong financial position has enabled CA to commit record levels of investment in community cricket, highlighted by our recent announcement of $35 million into grassroots cricket over the next three years.
 
“It is critical that we continue to invest in the grassroots of our game to support cricket’s expanding participant base growth, and that is exactly what this $35 million investment will do."

He added: "I’d like to thank James for his service, and take this opportunity to make a few reflections on what has been an outstanding tenure as CEO over more than 17 years.
 
“So much in world cricket and Australian cricket has changed during this time, but due to his stewardship Australian cricket is in a great position to continue to succeed over the next 20 years.

"James leaves a strong foundation to meet the future demands of our game, and his achievements do not go unrecognised.

“In almost every measure, James’s tenure has been truly remarkable and has taken cricket to new heights and we wish James well for whatever the future brings, and welcome Kevin Roberts as his successor."

Sutherland said cricket had defined the nation's character since even before Federation and in the wake of scandals like sandpaper gate, it was vital to respect the role it played in society.

“It has been an absolute privilege to work for cricket," he said. “Cricket is a game that has always meant so much to so many Australians.

“Indeed, as we have often discussed, there was an Australian Cricket Team before there was an Australian nation. In many ways cricket helped to define Australia as a nation.

“More than ever before, our sport is a game for all Australians, young and old, male and female, regardless of national or cultural background.

“As we know, it is an issues-rich sport, with frequent controversies and occasional disappointments. The public’s deep affection for the game is not taken for granted, but as we have seen over the years, it does ensure that the sport is resilient in the face of difficult times.

“Cricket has changed almost constantly since it was first played centuries ago – and indeed during my 20 years at Cricket Australia.

“My successors and in turn, their successors, will need to remain focused on the changing needs of Australian society as our nation continues to evolve, but in a manner that remains true to our cricket community and the spirit of cricket.

“Cricket has a bright and exciting future ahead of it – and I am confident that cricket will over the coming decade continue to enhance its status as Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians.”

Three directors retired by rotation at the meeting – David Peever, Dr Lachlan Henderson, and Michael Kasprowicz – and Tony Harrison also announced his retirement as a Director after 16 years while Paul Green was elected to the Cricket Australia Board.
 
“I’d to make special mention of Tony Harrison for his outstanding service to the Board over a period of 16 years," said Peever.
 
“Tony brought significant public affairs and marketing skills and experience to the Cricket Australia board, and throughout his time on the board has always maintained close contact with the cricket community.
 
“Tony has a great passion for women’s cricket and always prosecuted these matters with great vigour. Tony was chairman of our women’s cricket sub-committee for several years and played a vital role in the formal affiliation of the women’s game with Cricket Australia in 2003.
 
“The Board thanks Tony for his outstanding service to cricket, and we look forward to welcoming Paul Green to the Board, and we know that Paul will serve Australian Cricket well.
 
“In addition, I’d like to express my congratulations to Earl Eddings on his appointment as Deputy Chairman.
 
“Earl joined the CA Board in 2008, and is currently Co-Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Committee, and he will continue to serve cricket in this important role"