Northern Districts not in line with revamp proposal

Northern Districts Cricket Association has also expressed reservations over New Zealand Cricket's proposal to restructure domestic cricket, following Cricket Auckland's opposition to the same earlier this week. The Hamilton-based Northern Districts is unhappy with NZC's plans to allow up to 49% of private investments into the six major associations, saying it was an unnecessary move.

ND chief executive Peter Roach said the association was doing well in producing international players, and that it was a misconception that the domestic game in New Zealand was in need of private funding. Presently, the Ford Trophy, the HRV Cup and the Plunket Shield are driven by revenue gained from international cricket.

"We don't share that belief," Roach told the New Zealand Herald. "Domestic cricket has one very important role and that's to produce very good international players, and certainly from an ND point of view we believe we're doing okay in that regard.

"We don't think we should be sitting on our hands saying domestic cricket is achieving every goal it should be. But do we think private investment is the answer at ND? It's not something that's at the top of our tree at present. We haven't said no it should never happen. Just that it's not a priority for us."

A report submitted by David Cooper, NZC general manager of domestic cricket, outlined 18 recommendations that advocated the welcoming of private funding and a transformation of the T20 competition with a mind towards generating greater profit. The move is aimed at securing financial stability and helping local tournaments gain more interest and become self-sustaining.

The chief executives and chairmen of the various state associations are meeting in Auckland on June 11 and NZC is expected to have a board meeting a day later.