Scott Weenink has announced that he will step down as chief executive of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), citing differences with several member associations and the players’ body regarding the organisation’s long-term priorities and direction. Weenink will leave the role on January 30, 2026, after a two-and-a-half-year tenure.
“After careful consideration, it has become clear that my vision differs from that of some member associations and the NZCPA on the future priorities for NZC, including the long-term direction of the game and the role of T20 cricket in New Zealand,” Weenink said in a statement. “Given these differences, I believe new leadership is best placed to take NZC forward.”
Weenink expressed pride in the progress made during his time as CEO, highlighting successes such as New Zealand winning the Women’s T20 World Cup, a men’s Test series victory in India in 2024, and reaching the men’s Champions Trophy final in 2025. He also noted that he would return to the role of executive chair of Xceda Group in the new year, subject to regulatory approvals.
The announcement comes amid plans to launch NZ20, a new franchise-based T20 league set to begin in January 2027. Modeled on the Caribbean Premier League, the tournament would operate independently while holding a license from NZC and will replace the existing men’s and women’s Super Smash competitions.
Don MacKinnon, head of the NZ20 establishment committee, has expressed the need for clarity from NZC regarding the league’s approval, ideally by January 2026, to move forward with planning.
Weenink’s departure marks the end of a transformative period for NZC, and the organisation will now look for leadership that aligns with its evolving vision for domestic and international cricket in New Zealand.
