Christina Matthews to step down as WA Cricket Chief Executive

One of cricket's most successful administrators, Christina Matthews, the long serving Chief Executive at the Western Australia Cricket Association has announced that she is stand downing from the role.

After 12 years in the role, Matthews today revealed her intention to finish up at the WACA at the end of the ongoing season.

Under the 63-year-old former Australia vice-captain's leadership, Western Australia has become arguably the country's standout state. Across men’s and women’s domestic competitions, they have won 14 titles during her tenure, while 31 players have graduated to national teams.

Speaking about her upcoming departure, Matthews advised “this decision has not come easily, but it is the right time for me to close this chapter.

"That said, I have been connected to cricket for over 50 years and look forward to enjoying the game I love in new ways.

"I also love my adopted home of Perth and am a proud Western Australian. My first port of call will be to take a break and experience what our great state has to offer."

A champion wicketkeeper who played 20 Tests and 47 ODIs for Australia between 1984 and 1995, Matthews replaced Graeme Wood at WA Cricket in December 2011 having held roles in sports administration in cricket as well as hockey and Australian rules football.

Matthews swiftly addressed the disciplinary issues and flagging on-field performances that plagued the state's reputation, with the appointment of Justin Langer as men's coach proving significant.

Langer formed a tight bond with Matthews and oversaw a revival along with another new appointee in high-performance boss Ben Oliver. Both Langer and Oliver eventually graduated to roles with Australia.

Under Langer, and then Adam Voges, the Perth Scorchers have become the standout KFC BBL team with five titles in 12 seasons. The Scorchers have also been a growing force in the WBBL, winning their maiden crown in 2021, after Western Australian also won the WNCL for the first time a year earlier.

Back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles over the past two summers (the first, in 2021/22, ended a 22-year drought) have been the highlight of a 'six-peat' that has seen all three domestic men's trophies end in Western Australian triumphs in consecutive years.

Despite recent upheaval at Board level and Matthews taking a break for mental health reasons, she led the organisation through significant challenges during the pandemic when Western Australia had some of the world's strictest border rules and oversaw the commencement of the WACA Ground's redevelopment, which is currently under construction.

She is also a former Western Australian of the Year and was named not-for-profit Leader of the Year in Western Australia’s AIM Leadership Excellence Awards in 2016.

Acknowledging Matthews achievements, Cricket Australia Chief Executive, Nick Hockley stated “Christina leaves an immense legacy for cricket including the $163.4 million WACA Ground redevelopment, while her passion for participation and inclusion through the WA Cricket Foundation has created opportunities for thousands of people of all abilities and backgrounds to play our game.

"On behalf of everyone in Australian Cricket, thank you Christina for your inspirational leadership and service and we look forward to your ongoing involvement in cricket."

Matthews' final day with the WACA will be on 28th March 2024.

A search for a replacement is underway.

Image: Christina Matthews. Credit: BBC Entertainment.