Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland is standing down after 17 years in the role.

The decision will take effect in 12 months, allowing for a “comprehensive handover” to the man or woman who replaces him.

It comes after Australian cricket lost its head coach, captain, and vice-captain in the ball-tampering scandal.

But Sutherland said that did not impact on his decision.

“It just feels like a good time to hand over the reins to a successor,” he said.

Sutherland began at Cricket Australia in 1998 and has been CEO since 2001.

Full Cricket Australia statement:

“Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland has today advised the Chairman and Board of Cricket Australia of his intention to stand down from his position.

Sutherland, who began at Cricket Australia in 1998, has been CEO since 2001. He has provided 12 months’ notice and will continue in his current position until a suitable replacement is found. The period allows for a transition to complete a comprehensive handover with the successful candidate.

The Board has appointed Executive Search agency Egon Zehnder to conduct the recruitment process to replace Sutherland. Fiona McGauchie will lead this process and expressions of interest in the role can be emailed to mel.search@egonzehnder.com.

Speaking on his decision, Mr Sutherland said he felt the time was right to step down.

“After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia, the time is right. I feel very comfortable that this is the right time for me and a good time for the game.

“In the last 12 months we have laid key foundation stones which have included a new strategy for Australian cricket, a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Cricketers’ Association that provides certainty for our male and female cricketers, and just recently, a new domestic broadcast rights deals that will see broader TV coverage and significant increases in revenue flowing into the game.

“With these foundations in place, I feel that it is a good time to hand over the reins to a new CEO. My successor will have a strong and stable platform from which to lead our national strategy and to deliver on our bold aspirations to grow cricket as Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians.

“As it has been over the last 20 years, it will be a privilege and honour to continue to serve the game over the remaining months that I am in office,” said Mr Sutherland.

The Chairman of Cricket Australia, David Peever, applauded Mr Sutherland for what has been achieved during his tenure and the outstanding contribution he has made to the sport.

“On behalf of the board and management of Cricket Australia we thank James for his wonderful service to the game.

“James has been instrumental in driving crucial change around the game to make it even stronger for future generations.

“During his period of leadership, James has retained a strong passion for junior cricket and its fundamental importance in providing sustainable growth to the sport. To that end, cricket has experienced a 228% increase in participation including a near ten-fold increase in female participation.

“Aggregate attendances have increased by 137%, whilst revenue has also increased nearly ten-fold being around $50million when James commenced in the position, to around $500million today.

“James was heavily involved with the introduction of the highly successful Big Bash League, Women’s Big Bash League and of course Day-Night Test Cricket which has seen record crowds at venues where it is held.

“In the most recent MOU, he was a driver in providing women the opportunity to pursue a fully professional career in cricket, with substantial increases in pay, a landmark achievement in gender equity in sport.

“During his tenure our national squads have secured three men’s and two women’s World Cups, as well as three Women’s World T20 titles.

“James has also played a lead role in recent years to improve the Future Tours Programme. Following a long process, the ICC and other member countries have approved initiatives to be introduced in 2019 that will see greater structure and context for the Test and ODI formats of the game.

“In addition to an extraordinary list of achievements at CA, James has also coached his three children, and previously at Victorian Premier Cricket level. He is an honorary life member of Melbourne University Cricket Club and the Marylebone Cricket Club.

“James’ passion for and dedication to the game is indisputable.

“The game has never been in a stronger position and we are looking forward to continuing to work with James whilst we conduct a search to find a suitable replacement,” said Mr Peever.”