Cricket: Auckland could pull the rug on cricket revamp

Heath Mills of NZ Cricket Players Association. Photo / NZ Herald

Auckland will provide the strongest opposition among cricket's six major associations (MAs) to a proposed revamp of the domestic game.

Canterbury, Wellington, Otago, Northern Districts and latterly Central Districts are believed to be supportive of the ideas raised in a New Zealand Cricket-generated report which recommended a major overhaul of the domestic game, including selling up to 49 per cent of franchises to private investors.

Auckland Cricket chief executive Mark Cameron would not disclose details of their moot points.

"All I can say is that we have significant concerns and reservations about the recommendations. Until such time as I discuss it with the board, it's inappropriate to be discussing specifics."

Cameron was also part of the steering committee that considered how to improve the delivery of the domestic game.

The Herald on Sunday has learned that Auckland Cricket has some questions over the privatisation concept. They are less financially vulnerable than other MAs due to the insurance provided by the Eden Park Trust Act. The Act guarantees them - and fellow beneficiary Auckland Rugby — revenue from events at the venue.

Not all MAs are as fortunate.

The confidential NZC report, prepared by David Cooper, general manager of domestic cricket, declared: "The majority of MAs are under severe and ongoing financial pressure and most are not in a position to build reserves for long-term, strategic investment in professional or amateur cricket. Their dependence on both NZC revenue, via the international game, and gaming funding is significant.

"In addition to financial pressures, the MAs are not in a position to maximise the value of their assets. This is due to both a lack of resources and minimal investment and strategic priority on the domestic competitions by NZC."

There is no participation agreement between NZC and the MAs, meaning there is an assumption teams will keep participating each season.

There is also a view the three competitions (the Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy and HRV Cup) play a subservient role as development vehicles for the New Zealand team, rather than operating as their own entities in a competitive sports market for disposable entertainment dollars — where they're up against Super Rugby, NRL league, netball's ANZ championship and basketball's ANBL.

Contrary to Auckland's position, the New Zealand Cricket Players Association welcomed the changes.

"We're dealing with a sports structure that is archaic," said NZCPA boss Heath Mills. "If change doesn't come quickly it will be like trying to turn around the Queen Mary. We're delighted NZC is working on this. It's a constructive way to review the game."

The final date for feedback on the proposed changes is May 15.