Auckland, Oct 17 (NationPress) Gavin Larsen has been appointed as the selection manager for New Zealand Cricket, taking over from the departing Sam Wells.

A former player for New Zealand in both Test and ODI formats, Larsen previously served as the chief executive of Cricket Wellington and was the Cricket Operations Manager leading up to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. He held the position of selection manager from 2015 until 2023.

Following that, he became the Performance Director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC) before returning to New Zealand to work as the Commercial Manager for the Nelson Giants basketball team.

In his new role, Larsen will collaborate with head coach Rob Walter to select players for the Blackcaps, New Zealand A, and New Zealand XI teams for both inbound and outbound tours.

“I am genuinely thrilled to rejoin the Blackcaps and contribute to the national high-performance framework,” Larsen expressed.

“My passion for cricket in New Zealand is immense, and I am eager to make a meaningful impact at this level. I look forward to starting this summer and contributing to the ongoing success of the Blackcaps.”

Daryl Gibson, the Chief High Performance Officer of NZC, noted that the national selection manager is key in overseeing the selection process and maintaining communication with domestic scouts and Major Association coaches to stay informed about domestic cricket.

Gibson mentioned that Larsen’s understanding of the contemporary game, including the interplay between franchise and international cricket, as well as his insight into the domestic scene in New Zealand, impressed the appointment panel.

“Gavin’s familiarity with the role and his comprehension of its demands were crucial for his selection,” he noted.

“Additionally, we were struck by his enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to return to the game and make a positive difference.”

Gibson confirmed that the selection model will remain consistent, allowing the selection manager to advise, collaborate with, and challenge the head coach of the Blackcaps, who holds the final decision-making power.

“While Rob will conclude the selections as the chief selector, we want Gav to equip him with extensive insights and offer challenges to his thought processes and decisions. This necessitates a strong partnership between them, and we are confident that Gav possesses the necessary interpersonal skills and acumen to ensure its success.”

Larsen will officially start his duties on November 3.