Photo Credit: Linkedin Profile Photo Simon Insley
BLACKCAPS Performance Manager Simon Insley is set to take up a new position as General Manager Cricket at the South Australian Cricket Association.
Insley started in his role with the BLACKCAPS during the 2022 tour of England and will finish at the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.
His time with the team has covered one of the busiest periods in BLACKCAPS history, with more than a hundred international fixtures including three ICC white ball tournaments in two years, and an evolving contracting environment in response to the rapid expansion of franchise cricket.
Insley said the people he worked with would stand out from his time with New Zealand Cricket.
“It’s been an honour to be part of the BLACKCAPS environment,” said Insley.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with a fantastic group of players and staff during my time as part of the team.
“Forty three players have represented the BLACKCAPS during that time and I’m excited about the team’s future”.
Insley said he was looking forward to the upcoming challenge in the Caribbean and the USA, ahead of turning his attention to his new role.
“I’ve felt welcomed and a part of the New Zealand team from day one and I think that speaks to the continued strength of the environment,” he said.
“Whilst my focus is squarely on the tournament ahead I’m excited by the new challenge ahead of me with South Australia, and the opportunity to connect with the South Australian cricket community.”
BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead expressed his gratitude to Insley for his time with the team.
“Simon has been a great person to have in the team environment,” said Stead.
“His range of skills and experience have been invaluable in helping us navigate the rapid changes we’ve seen in the cricket landscape over the last few years.
“We will be sorry to see him go but want to wish him the best of luck in Adelaide.”
NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said the search for Insley’s replacement would start immediately.
“Simon brought a suite of high performance skills to the job and had a very positive impact on the team as a whole,” said Weenink.
“His ability to balance his responsibilities to the team and players, as well as to NZC was very impressive.
“Finding someone with his range of skills won’t be an easy task, hence our decision to advertise immediately.”
Name of Author: New Zealand Cricket
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
