New Zealand Cricket Returns $2.2M Surplus, Elects Mark Greatbatch as President

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a financial turnaround for the last financial year, posting a $2.2 million net surplus. This result dramatically reverses a previously forecasted deficit of $6.8 million for the period, following an $8 million surplus achieved in 2024.

NZC board chair, Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, stated that the organisation is in sound financial order, noting that its reserves have reached a record high of $37 million.

This financial strength is attributed to strong broadcasting agreements, high-value playing programmes, and a solid commercial base.

Emphasising the quality of the financial performance, Ms Puketapu-Lyndon, said: “NZC’s financial position is a strong one. A small net surplus represents a significant outperformance against budget, reflecting prudent management and disciplined oversight – through what was a challenging operating environment.”

“The position underlines the organisation’s stability and resilience and should provide confidence in its ability to continue investing in the game’s long-term growth and sustainability.

“Cricket here has never been a one-size-fits-all affair and NZC places great value in the ability of our Major and District Associations, and clubs to understand what works best in their regions and catchments.

“We’re committed to working closely with them to ensure they’re well equipped to service the grassroots environment upon which our entire game is based,” Ms Puketapu-Lyndon said.

New Zealand Cricket Elect New President and Members of the Board

In governance changes announced at the meeting, former New Zealand Test player, coach, and selector, Mark Greatbatch, was elected as the new president of New Zealand Cricket. Greatbatch, who represented New Zealand in 41 Tests and 84 One Day Internationals between 1988 and 1996, replaces Lesley Murdoch, who concluded her three-year term.

Thanking the outgoing president while welcoming the new appointee, Ms Puketapu-Lyndon, said: “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.”

“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.”

Greatbatch is noted for his solid Test batting, including a famous 146 not out in 11 hours against Australia in Perth in 1989-90, and for pioneering the ‘pinch-hitter’ role in limited-overs cricket during the 1992 World Cup.

In other governance movements, board member Kevin Malloy was re-elected for a third term after rotating off, while Sarah Beaman opted against re-standing at the conclusion of her three-year term.

The Chair thanked Ms Beaman, stating her contribution and insights have been invaluable to the Board over her term.

The meeting also saw three former Test players elected as New Zealand Cricket Life Members:

• Rebecca Rolls: A dynamic wicketkeeper-batter who became the first keeper to record 100 dismissals in women’s limited-overs cricket and also represented New Zealand in football at two Olympic Games.
• Martin Snedden: A qualified lawyer renowned for his seam bowling and administration career, serving as New Zealand Cricket CEO (2001-2007) and Chair (2020-2023), and later as CEO of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
• Ewen Chatfield: A seamer celebrated for his unyielding economy and stamina, claiming 123 Test wickets and 140 ODI wickets, who played 51 unbroken seasons of club cricket for Wellington.

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