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Important update on 1476AM'Questions to be answered': New CEO on the challenges facing NZ Cricket
Sport Nation • April 28th, 2026 6:07 pm
Geoff Allott hands over to Kane Williamson the Royal Stag Series Trophy | Photo: Photosport
Former Blackcap Geoff Allott has ticked off plenty across his cricketing journey, and now he can add New Zealand Cricket CEO to that list.
Taking on the top job at a pivotal time for the game, Allott says it’s an opportunity he’s long felt connected to.
“I’ve been passionate about cricket all my life really. I wasn't a great cricketer when I first started out, and to be given an opportunity to represent the country and then go on to be a board representative... this was a piece of the puzzle that was missing from my perspective and it's an enormous opportunity at a time that will be challenging."
Geoff Allott playing for the Blackcaps in 1998-99 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Allott joined Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy to outline his agenda and share his early thoughts on the challenges facing the game.
A key focus for the new CEO will be ensuring the long term health of cricket at all levels, particularly in the community space.
“I'm really conscious that it's hard in community cricket space, in fact you know community sports space frankly. So it's getting the balance right and making sure that we drive and push the revenues to be able to sort of reinvest back into our game and a sport that we all love and that we've been fortunate enough to be a part of.”
While there are big decisions ahead, Allott is taking a measured approach to the role.
"To be honest, there's lots of questions to be answered, but I don't think we need to panic on that. I think we just need to make the right decisions at the right time in front of us. I'd like to think that we can play a bit more of a proactive role in that and a real leadership role at New Zealand Cricket around that going forward."
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For Allott, the role is also about giving back to a game that’s shaped much of his life.
"Cricket's given me not only amazing memories on the cricket field, but it's given me my business life, it's given my networks and relationships in India and so I'm incredibly grateful to it.
"I know the impact it can have, and so I'm keen to now try and give back and do my part in taking cricket forward."
Listen to the full interview below:
