New Zealand cricket in worst state in a decade - Adams

Andre Adams. Photo / Getty Images

Auckland all-rounder Andre Adams has hit out at New Zealand cricket saying it's in a "worse state than it's been for some time".

The former Black Caps yesterday led Auckland to a 19-run victory over Northern Districts in the opening round of the Plunket Shield, finishing the match with figures 11-123.

The 36-year-old, who has been playing in England since 2007, lashed out at the New Zealand Cricket board today saying it has too many "old people".

"I think New Zealand cricket is in a worse state than it's been for some time. That's not being harsh that's just a straight outlook on it. There are so many things here that are wrong and players are crying out for the right structure," he told RadioSport's Tony Veitch.

"The New Zealand Players Association are working really hard to get things sorted out. The biggest problem is the board, there are too many old people on the board. They're not with the professional era. That's the issue. For us to move forward we need to sort that out sooner rather than later otherwise the game is going to stagnate."

Adams played 42 ODIs and one test for New Zealand before moving to England to play county cricket with Nottinghamshire. He has excelled in the England finishing as the third top wicket taker in the County Championship last season with 67 wickets.

He said New Zealand Cricket has gone backwards in recent years.

"We've lost what was an institution. With RadioSport not having the cricket yesterday that would have been a fantastic game to have covered but the fact is New Zealand Cricket have gone so far backwards that we're not even covered on radio and that's an indictment on the game, that's a real shame.

"If things continue as things are, we didn't even have a sponsor last year for the New Zealand one-day domestic, there's no excuses for that sort of stuff that's just poor. If we want cricket to move further in this country we must sort this stuff out sooner rather than later and not just make excuses like we don't have enough funds or we have to go out and find those funds. Whatever has to happen - has to happen very very quickly."

Adams, who is ineligible to play for New Zealand due to his playing contract with Nottinghamshire, suggested that New Zealand Cricket should think big and try to attract bigger names to the domestic competition.

"To make cricket have more of an impact it needs to be more exciting and it needs to appeal to people over the summer. Otherwise they're going to do something else. You're not going to get people to come along and see something they've seen before and know that it's boring." he said.

- HERALD ONLINE