Richard Hadlee steps down as NZC director

New Zealand legend Sir Richard Hadlee, has stepped down from his position of the director of New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He served as the top official for four long years. His resignation comes in accordance with the rotation policy of the NZC as another member of the board, Liz Dawson is also set to resign.

During his tenure at the helm, New Zealand played some brilliant cricket at home and away. They were well led by Brendon McCullum who then handed over the baton to Kane Williamson, one of the best batsmen of this generation. The cricket in the country is only improving as the new talent has been identified in the domestic circuit and Hadlee believes things will only get better in the future.

“I’ve been particularly impressed with the determination and commitment within the Board towards making the game more relevant and accessible to all New Zealanders – regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status,” Hadlee said.

“I’d like to congratulate and thank the NZC Board for its support and passion on these matters; for the friendships developed along the way, and for the very real progress it’s made over the past few years. It’s nice to be able to step down knowing the governance of the game in New Zealand is in such good hands,” the former Kiwi cricketer added.

Board will miss Hadlee’s expertise: NZC chairman

New Zealand Cricket chairman Greg Barclay said that the board would miss his expertise in the future and also thanked him for his contribution to the Black Caps. “Sir Richard has been a highly-respected member of our High Performance Advisory Group, and a staunch advocate of progressing the women’s game. On behalf of the NZC Board and its directors, I wish him well for the future and look forward to seeing him around the cricket circles over the coming summer,” Greg said.

Hadlee is one of the greatest all-rounders the gentleman’s game has ever seen. The stalwart played 86 Tests for the country and picked a whopping 431 wickets at 22.29 and also scored 3124 runs with the bat which include 2 centuries and 15 half centuries. Post retirement he became the chairman of selectors and then in 2013, was elected at the director.