NZ Cricket GM Geoff Allott quits over Bangladesh humiliation

Wellington:

New Zealand Cricket's General Manager Geoff Allot on Monday said he would step down from his post at the end of this month in the aftermath of the Black Caps' humiliating 0-4 ODI series loss to Bangladesh recently.

Allott, who has been associated with the team for two years, had the responsibility to oversee the development of a long-term high-performance strategy.

But he developed differences with NZC over how the plan should work and said the 0-4 drubbing in Bangladesh last month only highlighted them.

"It became evident during my work on that strategy that New Zealand Cricket may require a different allocation of resources within high performance in the future," Allott was quoted as saying by the local media.

"This was reinforced to me during the recent review following the Bangladesh tour.

"I believe our elite athletes and teams need a combination of the best available high performance expertise and the knowledge of cricket experts who understand the technical aspects of the game," he added.

Allott said his plans for Daniel Vettori's men, who are currently touring India for a Test and ODI series, are different from NZCs.

"On that basis the High Performance structure that I consider is best for cricket's future would be different to the current structure and with a different allocation of resources. I have effectively restructured myself out of a job, but I truly believe this to be in the best interests of cricket.

"This was a difficult decision for me to make because I am passionate about the game that has given me so much. After a break with my family, I will consider several other opportunities that exist, both inside and outside of cricket," he said.

NZC CEO Justin Vaughan lauded Allott's contribution in shaping the team.

"Geoff has made an enormous contribution to cricket in New Zealand. He was instrumental in the negotiation of the ground-breaking eight-year agreement with the NZ Cricket Players Association and has lead the development of the high performance strategy with the unique insights that a former international cricketer can bring to the process," he said.