### Leadership Shake-Up: New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink Resigns Amid Strategic Disputes Scott Weenink, the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), has announced his resignation effective January 30, 2026, following significant disagreements with stakeholders regarding the future direction of cricket in New Zealand. Weenink's departure comes after a two-and-a-half-year tenure marked by a contentious debate over the establishment of a new T20 league, which has divided opinions among players and member associations. This decision reflects broader tensions within the organization about how to evolve the sport in a rapidly changing cricket landscape, particularly concerning T20 formats and international competition [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/new-zealand-ceo-to-step-down-over-strategy-differences][https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/nzc_chief_scott_weenink_to_step_down_from_his_role_due_to_differences_with_member_associations_nzcpa/s1_17725_43224844]. ### Overview of the Situation: Key Points of Disagreement 1. **Resignation Announcement**: Weenink will officially step down on January 30, 2026, citing differences with member associations and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) regarding the sport's future [https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/cricket/2025/12/19/cricket-new-zealand-ceo-to-step-down-over-strategy-differences]. 2. **T20 League Controversy**: The primary contention revolves around a proposed franchise T20 league, tentatively named NZ20, which aims to replace the existing domestic Super Smash. This league is seen as crucial for attracting foreign investment and enhancing the competitive landscape of New Zealand cricket [https://24newshd.tv/19-dec-2025/new-zealand-cricket-chief-quits-split-new-t20-league]. 3. **Diverging Visions**: Weenink reportedly favored a New Zealand franchise joining the Australian Big Bash League instead of establishing a domestic T20 league, leading to a split with key stakeholders who support the NZ20 initiative [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3735778-new-zealand-cricket-ceo-scott-weenink-resigns-over-t20-league-dispute]. 4. **Support from Players**: Prominent figures in New Zealand cricket, including Test captain Tom Latham and white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, have expressed their support for the NZ20 league, emphasizing its potential benefits for the sport in the country [https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/cricket/new-zealand-cricket-ceo-scott-weenink-to-step-down-on-january-30-2026]. ### Evidence of the Dispute: Key Metrics and Statements - **Tenure Duration**: Weenink has served as CEO for approximately two and a half years, having taken the role in August 2023 [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3735754-leadership-change-scott-weenink-steps-down-from-new-zealand-cricket]. - **Achievements During Tenure**: Under Weenink's leadership, the New Zealand women's team won the T20 World Cup, and the men's team secured the World Test Championship, highlighting a period of competitive success despite the current turmoil [https://tezzbuzz.com/new-zealand-cricket-chief-scott-weenink-resigns-amid-disagreements-over-t20-crickets-future]. - **Weenink's Statement**: In his resignation announcement, Weenink stated, "After careful consideration, it has become clear that I hold a different view from several member associations... on the future priorities for NZC," indicating a fundamental disagreement on strategic direction [https://www.dailyprabhat.com/new-zealand-cricket-ceo-to-step-down-due-to-differences-with-several-member-associations-and-players-association]. ### Conclusion: Implications for New Zealand Cricket **In summary**, Scott Weenink's resignation from New Zealand Cricket marks a significant leadership change driven by strategic disagreements over the future of T20 cricket. The proposed NZ20 league represents a pivotal point for the organization, as it seeks to modernize and enhance its competitive standing in the global cricket landscape. 1. **Leadership Transition**: Weenink's departure opens the door for new leadership that may align more closely with the evolving priorities of players and member associations. 2. **Future of T20 Cricket**: The outcome of the NZ20 initiative will be crucial in determining New Zealand's cricketing future, especially as it currently lacks a franchise T20 league, unlike other full ICC member nations. 3. **Stakeholder Engagement**: Moving forward, NZC will need to foster better communication and collaboration with its stakeholders to ensure a unified vision for the sport's development [https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/new-zealand-cricket-chief-scott-weenik-resigns-disagreement-nz20-2838316-2025-12-19].