Former fast-bowler Geoff Allott appointed New Zealand Cricket CEO

New Zealand Cricket has appointed former fast bowler Geoff Allott as the new Chief Executive Officer of the board. Allot has a successful career in cricket management and governance after his retirement, which was a major reason for his appointment

He joins after the resignation of former CEO Scott Weenink, who stepped down following differences with provincial associations and players' associations over the future of the game, in relation to the new franchise tournament, which is set to replace the Super Smash in 2027.

Notably, he served an eight-year stint as a director on the NZC board till 2021. He was one of the founding board members of the NZC Players Association, established in 2002. He was appointed General Manager of Cricket at NZC between 2008 and 2010 before serving on the board of Canterbury Cricket for three years, and then he was awarded NZC Life Membership in 2022 for his services to the board.

Allott stated that his major goal was to improve collaborations between all sections of cricket back home.

"Having worn the silver fern as a player, served as General Manager of Cricket, and contributed for over eight years as a board director, I have a deep connection to this organisation and our game," Allott said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"I look forward to working collaboratively with the board, players, staff, member associations, and our commercial partners to build strong relationships, foster a positive and constructive culture, and deliver outstanding results both on and off the field. By strengthening relationships through all levels of the game here, we can ensure New Zealand cricket remains competitive, sustainable, and thriving at every level,” he added.

Allott has played 10 Tests and 31 ODIs between 1996 and 2000 and has picked up 71 wickets. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside the late great Shane Warne in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, with 20 scalps in just nine innings.