Clark to quit as head of Sydney Sixers

The former Test fast bowler Stuart Clark will quit as general manager of the Sydney Sixers after the upcoming Big Bash League. Clark joined the Sixers in May last year and steered them through a successful opening season in which they won the inaugural BBL, followed by their Champions League Twenty20 triumph in South Africa last month.

"The last two years have been a great experience for me and I thank everyone at Cricket New South Wales for the opportunity," Clark said. "I never started out believing I would ever be a cricket administrator forever and now look forward to the exciting opportunity of moving into the corporate world. I have no immediate plans once I have finished with Sydney Sixers and will look at every possible avenue that is put in front of me."

David Gilbert, the chief executive of Cricket New South Wales, said Clark had been an important figure in the development of the Sixers.

"The remarkable success of the Sydney Sixers in its short history is testament to Stuart's ability to build a winning team," Gilbert said. "He has made a smooth transition from player to administrator and is well placed for the next phase of his career. Whilst it is disappointing to lose a person of Stuart's calibre, I understand and respect his decision and wish him the very best for the future."

Clark will continue as general manager until May next year, when his current contract expires.