Hayden joins Cricket Australia board

Matthew Hayden will draw upon his IPL experiences to help navigate Cricket Australia through the uncharted waters of Twenty20 cricket as part of his newly-acquired role as board director. Hayden, who will replace the departing Allan Border on CA's board, insists he will bring a contemporary voice to the decision-making process as cricket's administrators attempt to strike a balance between the Twenty20 phenomenon and the more traditional forms of the game.

Hayden was a foundation member of the Chennai Super Kings, and has been a staunch advocate of both the IPL and the 20-over game in general. He will become the only member of the board with first-hand experience of the Twenty20 game as a player.

"The game is definitely at the coalface of anticipated change," Hayden told Cricinfo. "What I can bring to the table is a real currency and a slightly more contemporary style of looking at the way cricket and the business of cricket is managed and maintained. Strategically it's really important to recognise that iconic series such as the Ashes can never be removed, and in fact need to be protected and maintained, throughout the cricketing landscape. At a time when the market is looking to find new ways to engage our sport I think it's also really important to go on a journey and go on a debate and recognise that we have got something very special in the creation of franchise cricket and the globalisation of those brands."

Jack Clarke, CA's chairman, was hopeful Hayden would make a significant contribution to the board. "He brings a combination of contemporary, elite playing experience in all major cricketing nations; additional understanding of player issues through his work on the board of the Australian Cricketer's Association, experience in the new Twenty20 phenomena as an IPL player, and a passion for development of Indigenous cricket," Clarke said.

"I congratulate Queensland Cricket on having the foresight and vision to appoint Matthew Hayden to the Cricket Australia Board so soon after his retirement from wearing the Baggy Green."

The move could improve relations between Cricket Australia and the players due to Hayden's recent involvement in the game and his role as an executive member of the Australian Cricketers' Association.

Besides the retiring Border, Mark Taylor and Wally Edwards are the other two former Test cricketers who are now Cricket Australia directors.