Former Cricket Australia (CA) chair Jack Clarke has passed away at the age of 70 in Adelaide. Clarke was a pivotal figure in Australian cricket, serving on the CA board from 1999 to 2011 and holding the position of chair for the final three years of his tenure.
During his time as chair from 2008 to 2011, Clarke played a crucial role in the launch of the Big Bash League (BBL), which has become one of the most popular T20 leagues in the world. He also commissioned the Argus review, a comprehensive review of the Australian cricket team’s performance, following their defeat in the 2010-11 Ashes series at home. This review led to significant changes in CA’s high-performance structure.
Before his tenure at CA, Clarke had a successful career as a solicitor and also played grade cricket in Adelaide for Glenelg. He was a director with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) for 21 years and was made an Honorary Life Member of the SACA in 2012.
Mike Baird, the current CA chair, paid tribute to Clarke, saying, “Jack was an outstanding contributor to Australian, South Australian, and international cricket. His leadership in vital areas including governance and high performance was particularly important during a time when Australian cricket faced some significant challenges.”
Will Rayner, the SACA chair, also expressed his condolences, saying, “Jack was one of the true characters of the game. His laugh and zest for life were infectious, and we will miss him dearly.”
Clarke’s passing is a significant loss for Australian cricket, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered fondly by those who knew him.
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