Cricket: White is tipped to get the green light

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Former test cricketer David White is understood to be favourite to be appointed New Zealand Cricket boss.

A decision is expected within the next fortnight. White has a wide range of chief executive experience.

The 50-year-old spent five years as CEO of Auckland Rugby and the Blues, four in the same role with Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes before being appointed CEO at Bristol in the English premiership.

He also has cricketing pedigree. In 1990 he played two tests and three one-day internationals as an opening batsman for New Zealand against Pakistan as Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram swung into their pomp. White's first-class career spanned 15 years.

He is a member of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association board and is director of operations for Rugby Travel and Hospitality (NZ), the company which had the rights to those services for the World Cup. His contract is understood to be up early next year. Coincidentally, incumbent Justin Vaughan is expected to leave in January.

Last month the Herald on Sunday reported Bruce Edgar was considering applying. He is since understood to have pulled out. Edgar's business acumen and advocacy of the contemporary professional environment would have made him a strong candidate.

Northern Districts chief executive David Cooper was initially interested but is not part of the selection process. Christchurch businessman Bryan Pearson is also understood to be keen on the role. Pearson once ran the now defunct AMI stadium, the Christchurch Convention Centre, CBS Canterbury Arena and the city's town hall as the former chief executive of Vbase.