Cricket Australia has apologised to survivors of sexual abuse involved with cricket.

Cricket Australia chair Lachlan Henderson says historic sexual abuse is “an appalling issue” that the sport of cricket, other sports and broader society is grappling with.

“We can't change what happened but we need to do what we can to assist victims,” Dr Henderson said.

“On behalf of CA, I want to apologise to anyone who has suffered sexual abuse while involved in Australian cricket.

“We are encouraging all states and territories to join the national redress scheme and the CA board is currently exploring other ways that Australian cricket can further help victims of abuse.

“While we now have a rigorous set of policies and procedures around child safety, we need to ensure we are supporting anyone who has experienced past abuse as best we can.”

Western Australia is the only state so far to have signed up to the national redress scheme in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Cricket Australia joined the scheme earlier this year.

The issue of child sexual abuse will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cricket Australia board and will be raised at a meeting of cricket state and territory groups, according to a spokesperson.