New Zealand: Cricket in better health (4 Sep 1997)

September 04, 1997

Cricket in better health

From The Press

New Zealand Cricket staged a $1 million turnaround in its finances from the previous year, a result $ 1/2m above budget.

The return was due to increased gate receipts from the well-supported one-day series during the England and Sri Lankan tours last season and sponsorship revenue generated through marketing manager Neil Maxwell and chief executive Christopher Doig. NZC yesterday declared a profit of $732,056 which contrasts with a deficit of $332,108 in the 1996 year.

The surplus comes after contributions to associations of $2,699,345. Special grants have also been made to associations from the profits. Contributions to associations last year were $957,181.

General manager Tim Murdoch said the financial position of NZC remained sound with accumulated operating funds of $1,539,878. Funding received to complete the Hadlee-Watt pavilions at the national cricket academy at Lincoln University has been recognised in a capital reserve.

Meanwhile, Doig reports that Cricket Max has been rated by NZC as the best shortened version of the game in the world.

Cricket Max 'popular'

"It has also provided a much needed revenue generation. Sponsorship and television rights fees have been assigned to player payments as part of NZC's objective of retaining older, experienced players in the game."

Doig said Cricket Max is popular with young people and the game's duration reflects changes in lifestyle.

NZC's 103rd annual meeting in Christchurch on September 19 is likely to be a quiet affair.

No election will be required for the board of directors with Alan Isaac (Wellington) and Denis Currie (Auckland) retiring by rotation but having been nominated again. With no other nominations received they have been re-elected.

Iain Gallaway, of Dunedin, will be the incoming president taking over from Barry Paterson, who has completed his two-year term. Apart from some minor constitutional matters no general business from associations has been received.

Source :: The Canterbury Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)