Cricket: Auckland cricket in good heart, says outgoing chief

Auckland Cricket chief executive Andrew Eade's is leaving the association. Photo / Getty Images

Outgoing Auckland Cricket chief executive Andrew Eade believes the time is right to move on, and is pleased he's leaving the association in strong health.

Eade has resigned after eight years. He finishes on July 22, content that Auckland Cricket is well positioned to make solid strides on and off the field.

He said he had been thinking about the move for several months. "The difficulty has always been it's such a great job and I enjoy being here."

However, it was time for a new person at the helm, he said.

Eade has left now to allow his replacement - the position is expected to be advertised shortly - time to settle in before the next domestic season starts.

He is pleased that playing numbers in Auckland have increased by close to 25 per cent in the past three years and that the association is on a secure financial footing.

"When I started we had a team of eight or nine people and a $2.5 million business turnover. Now there's a staff of 18 and a $4.5 million turnover."

Eade is also chuffed he leaves with two of the three domestic trophies in the cabinet, as winners of the one-day and T20 titles. On his watch, Auckland won six of the 22 domestic honours, more than any other province.

Eade, who spent several years with the International Cricket Council before taking on the Auckland role, says he has a few options he is considering, both inside cricket and outside sport altogether.

His last bit of business is likely to be presiding over the list of 12 players to be awarded Auckland contracts for next season.