New Zealand Cricket plans to reduce workforce by 10 or 15 percent amid COVID-19 pandemic

Amidst the global pandemic due to the coronavirus, the economics of several sectors of the society is affected. In this condition, the financial aspect of things has also struggled. Cricket across the globe has suffered and cricket boards are struggling to manage their finances. Amidst all of this, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has proposed cutting down its workforce by 10 or 15 per cent.

The board might save up to $6 million in operational expenses in that case. The step has been taken necessarily considering the “significant reduction” in revenue amid COVID-19. The NZC Chief Executive David White has already informed all of their employees about the consultation process which has been approved by the board.

White has said that people including senior staffs might lose their jobs at the Auckland and Lincoln (near Christchurch) offices. However, the reports suggest that the Men’s and Women’s team including the players and the management would not be affected due to this step.

The reduction in the workforce would save NZC around $1.5 million by cutting their 10 or 15 % staff. According to last year’s annual report, NZC spent $8.5 million on staff remuneration. “It’d be fair to say it’s a significant reduction from that [revenue], hence these significant cuts. We have our priorities for the year which we’re not compromising and we’re investing in those. The cuts are coming from NZC, $6 million, of which $1.5m is staff,” White told Stuff.

It is a challenging situation, says NZC Chief Executive

“What we are experiencing is what I imagine most businesses in New Zealand are experiencing at the moment. It’s a really challenging situation and we’ve just got to work through it the best we can to ensure NZ Cricket remains strong and viable, and all our members do as well”, White added.

The situation of the COVID-19 has been handled quite well in New Zealand. However, there is no idea when cricket will resume in the country. New Zealand is expected to play a series against Australia. There have been talks about cricket resuming in Trans-Tasman bubble post the coronavirus pandemic. However, even if it goes ahead, it might be held behind the closed doors.