May resigns as players' union boss

Tim May, the former offspinner who set up the Australian Cricketers' Association, has resigned as the union's chief executive and will move his family to the United States. After eights years in the role, May will depart in June, unless the current Memorandum of Understanding with Cricket Australia is not completed, and will continue as the chief executive of FICA, the international players' association.

May, 43, has been behind obtaining greater pay for national, state and rookie players, negotiating the first Collective Agreement with the Australian Cricket Board in 1998 and implementing events such as the Allan Border Medal. "I have been in the fortunate position of representing a collection of men whose performances both as cricketers and role models have continued to grow and set benchmarks for others to emulate," May, who took 75 wickets in 25 Tests, said.

Ian Healy, the ACA president, said players since 1996 owed much to May for his creativity, commitment and dedication. "As a former top-class player and with a financial background Tim's skill set was perfect for the role," he said.

Ricky Ponting said May had always placed the welfare of Australia's players at the top of his priority list. "Tim's contribution has been first class," he said.