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NZ Cricket Players boss Heath Mills steps down
Alex Chapman • March 12th, 2026 11:22 am
Heath Mills | Photo: Photosport
Long-standing NZ Cricket Players Association boss Heath Mills has stepped down.
Mills has held the role as since 2001, after working with the players to establish the organisation, and has led New Zealand’s professional cricketers in numerous collective bargaining negotiations.
Sport Nation understands Mills will continue to stay as chief executive for a period, before stepping into a different role. He’ll also continue in his role as executive chairman of World Cricketers Association, a role he’s held since 2020, having previously been a board member since 2002, before being appointed to the WCA executive in 2014.
It comes at a time of potential change for the game in New Zealand, with there high level and regular discussions over the state of domestic T20.
Alongside respected sports administrator David Howman and former Blackcaps captain Stephen Fleming, Mills has been part of the advisory group for the NZ20 competition.
However sources have indicated Mills’ decision to stand down is “categorically” nothing to do with NZ20 and has been a long time coming.
Stephen Fleming on the NZ20 decision delay | Mornings w/Ric & Chappy
It’s understood Deloitte has finished conducting a review examining various options for revitalising T20 cricket in New Zealand, including private ownership, a revamped Super Smash, and entering a New Zealand team into Australia’s BBL.
It’s understood the review won’t be an entire recommendation for the future model, rather analysis of all options presented and being discussed.
Last month, members of the NZ20 consortium, and representatives of the Big Bash League and Cricket Australia presented separately to the NZ Cricket board. It’s believed the BBL proposal was centred around one New Zealand team, based in Auckland, entering the competition in 2028.
As more details of both proposals have come to light though, it’s understood the NZC board favour the NZ20 proposal, while several high-profile players have spoken of their preference for the new competition.
In a statement, Mills said the timing was right for him to step down.
"This hasn’t been an easy decision. The NZCPA has been a huge part of my life for more than 25 years, and the experiences, opportunities, challenges and relationships along the way have shaped me profoundly,” Mills said.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate that the game’s best players have trusted me to serve them in this role.
"I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has allowed me to represent and support them, and Ihope I’ve been able to contribute in a way that justifies that trust.”
