Geoff Allott named New Zealand Cricket CEO in 2026 leadership shift

Former New Zealand cricketer Geoff Allott appointed as the new CEO of New Zealand Cricket in 2026.

Playing career highlights Between 1996 and 2000, Allott featured in 10 Test matches and 31 One-Day Internationals, leaving a mark as a swift bowler. During the 1999 ODI World Cup, he stood out by claiming 20 wickets at an average of 16.25 across nine games, matching Australia's Shane Warne as the tournament's top wicket-taker despite playing one match fewer. ## Post-playing leadership roles After retiring, Allott became a key figure in cricket governance and management. In 2002, he helped establish the NZC Players Association and served as its founding board member. From 2008 to 2010, he held the position of General Manager of Cricket at New Zealand Cricket. Following this, he contributed to Canterbury Cricket as a board member for three years before joining the NZC board for a full eight-year term from 2013 to 2021. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded Life Membership by New Zealand Cricket in 2022. ## NZ20 league and leadership context The appointment arrives at a pivotal time for New Zealand Cricket following the resignation of the previous CEO, who cited disagreements with provincial associations and the players' union over the game's long-term vision. The disputes centered on plans to introduce a privately owned NZ20 tournament by 2027, intended to replace the existing Super Smash competition. ## Allott's leadership vision Allott expressed his enthusiasm for uniting New Zealand Cricket amid recent divisions. 'Having represented New Zealand as a player, managed cricket operations, and served on the board for over eight years, I share a profound bond with this organization and our sport,' he stated. 'I'm eager to collaborate with the board, players, staff, member associations, and commercial partners to build robust connections, promote a positive culture, and achieve excellence both on and off the field.' He emphasized that by strengthening relationships across all levels, New Zealand cricket can remain competitive, sustainable, and flourishing at every tier. ## Chair's endorsement of Allott Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, Chair of New Zealand Cricket, highlighted Allott's unmatched qualifications for the role. 'Geoff combines unique and highly relevant strengths: deep cricket expertise as a former New Zealand representative, invaluable experience within NZC as both General Manager of Cricket and board member, and strong commercial leadership as Executive Director of QualityNZ,' she noted. 'His playing background, deep institutional knowledge, business insight, and global perspective position him perfectly to guide NZC through its next phase of development. On behalf of the Board, I welcome Geoff and extend our best wishes for success. We are confident he will lead collaboratively and deliver an exciting future for New Zealand cricket.'