Scott Weenink will be stepping down as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive. He has cited differences with "several member association" and the players' association when it comes to "future priorities of NZC and long-term direction of the game" for his decision. Weenink will step away from the position on January 30, 2026 after a two-and-a-half-year stint.
"After careful consideration," Weenink said in a media statement, "it has become clear that I hold a different view from several member associations, and the NZCPA [New Zealand 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. Given these differences, I believe it is in the best interests of the organisation that new leadership takes NZC forward from here.
"While I am saddened to leave after such a successful period, I do not wish to create ongoing instability by continuing without the support of some key stakeholders. I depart with pride in the excellent progress made by NZC during my time as CEO, and confidence in the people in NZC who will carry the game forward.
"I will return to the role of executive chair of Xceda Group, subject to regulatory approvals, in the new year. I will take with me great memories of my time with NZC."
Weenink was appointed chief executive of NZC in August 2023, and under him, New Zealand won the women's T20 World Cup and a men's Test series in India in 2024 and made the final of the men's Champions Trophy in 2025.
His announcement came in the wake of new that plans were being put in place to launch the NZ20, a franchise-based T20 league in the country, by January 2027.
The league's operating model would be similar to that of the Caribbean Premier League, with the tournament receiving the license from NZC but being managed independently. That tournament, once it's in place, will replace the men's and women's Super Smash.
The league requires approval from NZC. Don MacKinnon, who heads the NZ20 establishment committee, wishes to have clarity over that call, ideally by January 2026.