The chief executive of the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) governing body has abruptly announced that he will step down in January.
Scott Weenink, who has been in charge for nearly two-and-a-half years, has cited significant differences of opinion with bodies including the country’s players’ association regarding “future priorities of NZC and long-term direction of the game.”
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This is specifically regarding the future of Twenty20 cricket in New Zealand, with plans currently afoot to launch a franchise league, comprising privately-owned teams, in that country (New Zealand is the biggest cricket market without such a competition).
Weenink will leave on January 30 next year and will return to his previous role as executive chair at Xceda Group, a financial services provider.
Since Weenink was appointed as the cricket body’s CEO in August 2023 (replacing David White), New Zealand has won the women’s ICC T20 World Cup and reached the final of the men’s ICC Champions Trophy last year.
In a statement, he has said: “After careful consideration, it has become clear that I hold a different view from several member associations, and the NZCPA [New Zealand Cricket Players' Association], on the future priorities for NZC, including the long-term direction of the game and the best role for T20 cricket in New Zealand. Given these differences, I believe it is in the best interests of the organisation that new leadership takes NZC forward from here.
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By GlobalData"While I am saddened to leave after such a successful period, I do not wish to create ongoing instability by continuing without the support of some key stakeholders. I depart with pride in the excellent progress made by NZC during my time as CEO, and confidence in the people in NZC who will carry the game forward.”
Regarding T20 cricket in New Zealand going forward, new plans – unveiled in November – are in place for a league called NZ20 to get underway in January 2027.
If NZC approval is secured (this is necessary for the project to get off the ground), NZ20 would replace the Super Smash, the current domestic T20 competition in the country, in which the six teams are run by the six state cricket associations in the country.
The Super Smash is managed by NZC, whereas NZ20 would be run independently, with private owners (and would, therefore, potentially be able to attract overseas players through paying larger salaries).
The backers of these NZ20 plans want NZC to decide as soon as possible, ideally no later than January, when Weenink will step down.
Earlier this month, NZC struck a new commercial deal with household cleaning brand Wet & Forget.
Wet & Forget will have its branding present across the fronts of each team's shirts during the 2025-26 Super Smash.
The NZC commercial portfolio also contains the ANZ bank (the governing body's largest partner, with its branding adorning the front of the men's team's playing shirts) as well as the likes of Asahi, Castore (kit supply partner), Ford, KFC, and Powerade.
Elsewhere in the world of cricket administration, the KNCB, Dutch cricket's governing body, has announced Huib van Walsen as its new CEO from March 1.
He succeeds Lucas Hendrikse, who was only in that position on an interim basis.
The KNCB has said that it has chosen "an experienced director with a strong combination of strategic leadership, social engagement, and a deep personal connection to cricket," having previously held senior roles at brands including Coca-Cola and Mattel.
Within cricket, he served as chairman of Rood en Wit cricket club in Haarlem. In this role, he worked closely with the KNCB and led the relocation and fundraising for new facilities, working with municipalities, clubs, and partners.
KNCB chairman Guido Landheer said: “With Huib van Walsem, we are bringing in a CEO who combines strategic and financial expertise with a genuine commitment to the sport and the cricket community.
"His experience in both the business world and the non-profit and sports sectors is an excellent fit for the KNCB's current stage. We are confident that, together with the national team and the clubs, he will take important next steps in the development of Dutch cricket."
