Being in a top position of a business means making decisions that will ultimately determine how the business will do and what direction it's going in. Sports is no different from non-sport entities. These decisions can be massive as it can determine how a sport will perform or function going forward.
Scott Weenink will step down as chief executive of New Zealand Cricket early next year, following months of escalating tension over the future direction of the game.
The boss of New Zealand cricket resigned on Friday after a long and bitter dispute with players and member associations over the future of T20 cricket in the country.
In a statement released by NZ Cricket (NZC) on Friday, Weenink said he had advised the board he would resign from the role at the end of January, citing fundamental differences with key stakeholders.
"After careful consideration, it has become clear that I hold a different view from several Member Associations, and the NZCPA (NZ Cricket Players Association), on the future priorities for NZC, including the long-term direction of the game and the best role for T20 cricket in New Zealand," Weenink said.
"Given these differences, I believe it is in the best interests of the organisation that new leadership takes NZC forward from here. I do not wish to create ongoing instability by continuing without the support of some key stakeholders."
The announcement follows months of governance turmoil with growing concern inside the game that the board and the chief executive were no longer on the same page.
Earlier this month, RNZ reported Weenink had abruptly gone on leave ahead of mediation between the chief executive and the board. NZC denied an employment process was underway and said Weenink was spending time with family.
Sources have told RNZ Weenink has been "fighting for his survival" since November amid a power struggle over the future of the domestic game.
Weenink faced allegations of working to "actively undermine" a bid by a private consortium to establish a new T20 franchise competition - a proposal supported by all six major associations and the NZCPA.
A split had developed between Weenink and players, and member associations, over a proposed franchise T20 league that would replace the country’s domestic Super Smash. Tentatively named NZ20, the new league would target foreign investment and ownership, likely through IPL franchises and aim to attract top overseas players.
It's seen by players and New Zealand’s six member associations as an important progression in the cricketing landscape - New Zealand is the only ICC full member nation without a franchise T20 league. Weenink was thought to prefer a New Zealand franchise entering the Australian Big Bash League instead.
However, several senior cricket figures told RNZ while the proposed league has been a flashpoint for tensions, the crisis runs far deeper.
According to one source, concern around Weenink's leadership has been simmering for several months, culminating in a letter sent to the NZ Cricket board on 16 October following a series of meetings between the six major associations.
In that letter, the major association chairs warned the board that the relationship with the chief executive had become "irretrievable," stating the network had lost "respect, trust and confidence" in Weenink.
The source said concerns about Weenink were also raised directly with the NZ Cricket board chairperson, Diana Puketapu-Lyndon and later by follow-up letter in July - well before the concept of NZ20 was first pitched to the national body.
In his resignation statement, Weenink defended his tenure, saying it had been a privilege to lead NZC and highlighting what he described as strong organisational performance during his two and a half years in the role.
"We have delivered exceptional results on and off the field, including record financial performances and the signing of long-term broadcast agreements," he said. "Our people have driven a culture of strong engagement and commitment, and NZC is now in a strong financial position."
Weenink also paid tribute to the national teams, singling out the White Ferns' (female national team) T20 World Cup victory and the Black Caps' (men's national team) series win over India and Champions Trophy final appearance as personal highlights.
Puketapu-Lyndon thanked Weenink for his contribution, saying the board acknowledged his work and wished him well for the future. Weenink said he would return to his role as executive chairperson of Xceda Group, subject to regulatory approvals, in the new year.
NZ Cricket is now seeking a new leader amid unresolved questions about the future structure of the domestic game. Cricket is not the only major national sporting body looking for a new chief executive in the new year.
On Thursday Netball NZ confirmed its long-serving chief executive, Jennie Wyllie, had resigned from her role following a challenging period for the organisation.
It ssems to me that this is a logical move. No business should be run by a leader who's been doubted and questioned. Every business needs to be run by a strong leader who knows what he/she is doing. If the head is incompetent and/or constantly under a controversy cloud; doubts could be raised about the business.
It's best to act quickly to remove any possible issues.