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How to tune into Sport NationEXCLUSIVE: 'It’s quickly become a fire': Concerns mount over NZC leadership
Alex Chapman • November 26th, 2025 3:06 pm
Photo: Alan Lee/Photosport
There are growing concerns about the leadership of New Zealand Cricket, aimed at CEO Scott Weenink.
Sport Nation understands that following considerable feedback from key stakeholders, moves are being made to determine whether concerns raised by the cricket community are substantiated and to assess Weenink’s role and future.
It’s understood that the NZC board are due to meet this week, though it’s unclear whether Weenink’s future will be discussed.
Multiple sources, who agreed to speak off the record under the condition of anonymity, have told Sport Nation it comes after a “continuous feeling that there’s a lack of faith and direction” from Weenink and have stated that that they feel “his position is untenable.”
As one source explained “after looking at all options, it’s agreed he can’t continue.”
Another source said that in their view, Weenink is “in it for the wrong reasons.”
A third shared their concern that “if action isn’t taken now, this could be damaging for the game” given “how tense it all is.”
Sources have indicated that they believe it’s a move that’s been, as one put it, “a long time coming”.
NZC spokesperson Richard Boock says they won't respond to speculation from anonymous sources.
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It’s also understood that the board prevented Weenink from attending an International Cricket Council’s CEO meeting earlier this month, something NZC denies.
However, Boock confirmed Weenink had joined via video link. NZC has advised he attended remotely due to the NZC AGM being around that time and the meeting only being for half a day.
In August, Sport Nation initially reported that a delegation of representatives from various Major Associations had approached the board about the leadership of New Zealand Cricket, which one source recounted “went down like a cup of cold sick”, with another claiming at the time that there was “a fear for those who hold the purse strings”.
Sources have indicated that they believe this concern remains among key stakeholders when it comes to Weenink.
Again, Boock told Sport Nation that NZC won't respond to speculation from anonymous sources.
Speaking of the escalations since though, one source said “if you thought there was heat then, it’s quickly become a fire and it’s threatening to burn everything.”
Another said that in his view, “the biggest story in cricket isn’t NZ20, it’s the mess behind the scenes.”
Sources claim that Weenink is also against the proposed new domestic T20 competition, a matter which NZC denies, saying “NZC is running a process to consider all options for the future of T20 cricket in NZ, which includes the NZ20 option. Scott remains open minded about the various options and Deloitte has been engaged as an independent expert to manage the process. Deloitte will report back to the NZC Board and Management team with their recommendations in Q1 2026.”
A letter, seen by Sport Nation, was intended to repair remarks about the proposed NZ20 competition, including calling it a 'rebel league'.
The letter - sent two weeks after the meetings in Dubai - was signed by NZC chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, Twose as NZC Board ICC Representative, and the chairs of the six Major Associations.
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“What is being worked on is not a ’rebel league’. It is a professional T20 league which, if it goes ahead, will have the full support of all of the above parties.”
The letter goes on to explain the premise and perceived value of NZ20.
Under the heading “perceived conflicts of interest” the letter also explains the process of the NZC and MA board appointments and roles.
It goes on to state: “As New Zealand is a small country where prior relationships are common, any interests are declared, and conflicts, whether perceived or real, are managed. This has been the case with the NZ20 opportunity. We are deeply concerned about the origin of any messaging that has the potential to undermine the reputation of cricket and cricket governance in New Zealand.”
Furthermore, the letter adds: “The players have not taken over cricket in New Zealand. World Cricketers Association is ‘not coming for us’. There is no hostile takeover.”
NZ Players Association boss Heath Mills is head of the World Cricketers Association.
While NZ20 would not be run by New Zealand Cricket, it does require their support and granting of a licence to run the competition.
Photo: Alan Lee/Photosport
As reported by Sport Nation, NZ20, which has been described by sources as "transformational", would require a variation to the master agreement to remove the obligation for players to participate in the Super Smash – a separate memorandum of understanding would be signed between the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) and NZ20.
Sources have said they believe that Weenink has lost the trust and support of players, with the “tipping point” as one source put it, being “his refusal to listen” over attempts to enter a team into the Big Bash League.
Those spoken to under anonymity had voiced concerns that the BBL pursuit is a “reflection of a lack of investment” into them and would see the Super Smash become a “development competition” instead. Blackcaps Daryl Mitchell and Kyle Jamieson are among current players who have expressed such thoughts on Sport Nation.
Players shared similar feelings when it was announced in April that NZC had agreed terms with American company True North Sports Ventures (TNS) to launch a new Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise that will debut in 2027.
Weenink has been CEO since August 2023. The businessman and former Wellington domestic cricketer replaced David White, having previously been chair of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.
Last week, it was announced that changes had been made to the NZC board. Former player, coach and selector, Mark Greatbatch, has been elected as President, replacing Lesley Murdoch, who completed her three-year term.
It was also confirmed that Sarah Beaman rotated off the board at the end of her three-year term, and opted against re-standing, while Kevin Malloy was re-elected for a third term.
Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday on Thursdays & Fridays.
