New Zealand cricket coach John Wright has declined an offer to extend his contract and will step down from the Black Caps job after the upcoming tour of the West Indies.
Wright, 57, took over as national coach in December 2010 and guided the Black Caps to the 2011 World Cup semi-final and a notable Test win over Australia in Hobart.
The ex-Test opening batsman said he appreciated the offer of a contract extension and described coaching the team as “a tremendous privilege”.
“But after much consideration I feel it’s the right time to move on and look at other opportunities,” he said in a statement.
NZC chief executive David White said it was disappointing to lose someone of Wright’s calibre.
“We were keen to see him continue his head coach role, however understand and respect his decision to look for another challenge,” White said.
White said NZC was keen to find Wright’s replacement as soon as possible, but was also conscious of getting the right candidate to take the team through to the 2015 World Cup.