New Zealand Cricket likely to cut 10-15 percent of staff

In order to "cope with the challenges" posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand Cricket are likely to cut 10-15% of their staff to save close to NZ$ 6 million in operation costs, David White, NZC Chief Executive said on Wednesday (May 27). He maintained that the players would not be affected by this move, and their full retainers - as decided earlier - will be paid.



These measures would help the board maintain the level of funding for the six major associations, districts, and clubs, while also reducing or completely avoiding cuts to the men's and women's domestic calendars, White assured.



“We have our priorities for the year which we’re not compromising and we’re investing in those. The cuts are coming from NZC, $6 million, of which $1.5m is staff,” White was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.



ALSO READ: Cricket Australia to work with skeleton staff



With the global crisis forcing a worldwide shut down, several tours and series have been postponed. Despite ICC's assurance, there are continued speculations about the feasibility of holding the men's T20 World Cup in October this year considering all the travel restrictions in Australia. Quite understandably, NZC are thus expecting a "significant reduction" in revenues for the financial year.



New Zealand men are however expected to host their trans-Tasman rivals in November behind closed doors, before the women compete on the biggest stage in February-March 2021: the Women's World Cup.



“It’s a really challenging situation and we’ve just got to work through it the best we can to ensure NZ Cricket remains strong and viable, and all our members do as well,” White said.



Elsewhere, Cricket Australia have already cut 80% of their staff are are facing losses worth more than 300 million Australian dollars if they are unable to host the series against India men later this year.