Scott Weenink during a press conference to announce his appointment as chief executive of NZ Cricket. Photo: Photosport / Alan Lee
Scott Weenink will step down as chief executive of New Zealand Cricket early next year, following months of escalating tension over the future direction of the game.
In a statement released by NZ Cricket on Friday, Weenink said he had advised the board he would resign from the role at the end of January, citing fundamental differences with key stakeholders.
"After careful consideration, it has become clear that I hold a different view from several Member Associations, and the NZCPA (NZ 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," Weenink said.
"Given these differences, I believe it is in the best interests of the organisation that new leadership takes NZC forward from here.
"I do not wish to create ongoing instability by continuing without the support of some key stakeholders."
Photo: Photosport / RNZ composite
The announcement follows months of governance turmoil with growing concern inside the game that the board and the chief executive were no longer on the same page.
Earlier this month, RNZ reported Weenink had abruptly gone on leave ahead of mediation between the chief executive and the board.
NZ Cricket denied an employment process was underway and said Weenink was spending time with family.
But sources have told RNZ Weenink has been "fighting for his survival" since November amid a power struggle over the future of the domestic game.
Weenink faced allegations of working to "actively undermine" a bid by a private consortium to establish a new T20 franchise competition - a proposal supported by all six major associations and the NZCPA.
However, several senior cricket figures told RNZ while the proposed league has been a flashpoint for tensions, the crisis runs far deeper.
According to one source, concern around Weenink's leadership has been simmering for several months, culminating in a letter sent to the NZ Cricket board on 16 October following a series of meetings between the six major associations.
In that letter, the major association chairs warned the board that the relationship with the chief executive had become "irretrievable", stating the network had lost "respect, trust and confidence" in Weenink.
The source said concerns about Weenink were also raised directly with the NZ Cricket board chairperson Diana Puketapu-Lyndon and later by follow-up letter in July - well before the concept of NZ20 was first pitched to the national body.
Diana Puketapu-Lyndon Photo: photosport
In his resignation statement, Weenink defended his tenure, saying it had been a privilege to lead NZC and highlighting what he described as strong organisational performance during his two and a half years in the role.
"We have delivered exceptional results on and off the field, including record financial performances and the signing of long-term broadcast agreements," he said.
"Our people have driven a culture of strong engagement and commitment, and NZC is now in a strong financial position."
Weenink also paid tribute to the national teams, singling out the White Ferns' T20 World Cup victory and the Black Caps' series win over India and Champions Trophy final appearance as personal highlights.
Scott Weenink. Photo: photosport
Puketapu-Lyndon thanked Weenink for his contribution, saying the board acknowledged his work and wished him well for the future.
Weenink said he would return to his role as executive chairperson of Xceda Group, subject to regulatory approvals, in the new year.
NZ Cricket is now seeking a new leader amid unresolved questions about the future structure of the domestic game.
Cricket is not the only major national sporting body looking for a new chief executive in the new year.
On Thursday Netball NZ confirmed its long-serving chief executive Jennie Wyllie had resigned from her role following a challenging period for the organisation.
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