Richard Hadlee resigns as NZC director

Sir Richard Hadlee has stepped down from his position as a director of the New Zealand Cricket board after four years in office. One of two directors to resign by rotation this year, the 66-year old former allrounder was happy that his tenure coincided with bringing the game closer to the public.

"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."

Hadlee is recognised as one of the greatest allrounders in the history of cricket. He played 86 Tests for New Zealand, picking up 431 wickets at 22.29 and scoring 3124 runs, including two centuries and 15 fifties. Later, he became chairman of selectors, and in 2013, he was elected to the post of director. He won the re-election for the same post in 2014.

NZC chairman Greg Barclay said that the board would miss his expertise moving forward. "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."

NZC board member Liz Dawson, who will also resign by rotation this year, has opted to stand for re-election at the annual general meeting in November. Applications for Board vacancies will be advertised on Saturday.