Former Test wicketkeeper-batter Mark Greatbatch will serve as New Zealand Cricket’s next president after being elected at Wednesday’s annual meeting. The same session confirmed a NZ$2.2 million profit for the 2024-25 financial year—an abrupt swing from the NZ$6.8 million loss budgeted last spring.
Greatbatch, who played 41 Tests and 84 one-day internationals between 1988 and 1996, has worn plenty of hats since retiring: national selector, Black Caps batting coach and provincial mentor. He replaces broadcaster Lesley Murdoch, whose three-year stint in the largely ceremonial role has drawn widespread respect.
“I want to convey my enormous gratitude to Lesley for her professionalism as the NZC President over the past three years, and for her great support for the game as well as the organisation,” NZC chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said. “I also want to welcome and congratulate Mark as our new President and wish him well in the role. We are fortunate in New Zealand cricket to have such strong figures wanting to contribute and give back to the game.”
The board’s statement called the NZC balance sheet “reserves [were] at a record $37m, supported by strong broadcasting agreements, high-value playing programmes, and a solid commercial base.” Those cash buffers helped flip last year’s NZ$8 million surplus into another positive result despite softer gate receipts and a leaner men’s international schedule.
“NZC’s financial position is a strong one,” Puketapu-Lyndon added. “A small net surplus represents a significant outperformance against budget, reflecting prudent management and disciplined oversight – through what was a challenging operating environment.”
From a cricket angle, the extra funds matter. District associations still shoulder the brunt of junior coaching and club-ground maintenance, and several told me they were bracing for cuts. Wednesday’s numbers ease that fear, at least for the coming season, giving time to bed in the next broadcast deal and to see whether the Black Caps’ winter tours can spark fresh interest back home.
Greatbatch, never shy of a forward defensive, will now front board events, liaise with the players’ association and act as sounding board for chief executive Scott Weenink. The day-to-day power stays with the chair and CEO, yet a president who has batted on the Basin Reserve and sat in selection meetings brings a useful, practical voice.
