Auckland Cricket's boss hungry for fresh challenge

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The desire for a fresh challenge was a prime motivation in Mark Cameron's applying for the vacant Auckland Cricket chief executive's job.

His appointment was confirmed yesterday. He takes over from Andrew Eade in November.

Cameron, 43, is a longtime sports administrator. He has been general manager of the National Basketball League, a board member of Basketball New Zealand and, for the past four years, chief executive of the Northern Mystics netball franchise.

"I was really looking for a new challenge in life and business and Auckland Cricket offers me that," he said yesterday.

Cameron has his eyes on commercial and sponsorship areas.

"There are commercial challenges in any sporting organisation and I hope I can add value there," Cameron said.

A keen follower of the game and a regular Wednesday night indoor cricketer, Cameron arrives at a good time for Auckland.

They won two of the three domestic titles last summer, the HRV Cup T20 crown and the one-day competition.

However their first foray in the Champions League in India last week was disappointing, losing both games in the qualifying competition.

Cameron hopes his move from netball will bring fresh impetus into the Mystics operation, after they had made the final in this year's ANZ Championship.

"Someone coming in with the Mystics will provide a fresh approach and a different energy.

"I'd like to think I'll be doing the same with Auckland Cricket."

Auckland Cricket president Rex Smith said about 30 people had been interviewed for the job.

* Former international Gavin Larsen has resigned as Wellington Cricket chief executive. He had been in the job for four years.