Vaughan to step down

Wellington - New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan announced on Wednesday that he would step down at the end of November, after more than four years in the job.

Vaughan said the NZC needed a chief executive who could commit to remaining in the position until the 2015 Cricket World Cup and his young family meant he was unable to do that.

He said the lead-up to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, would involve intense travel and he felt it was time to move on.

"It’s been a hard decision to make but I’m certain it’s the right time for me to explore new opportunities," he said.

NZC chairman Chris Moller said that since his appointment in 2007, Vaughan had had overseen a 60 percent increase in the organisation's revenues and helped restructure the Black Caps.

Moller said changes introduced by Vaughan include appointing former Test batsman John Wright as head coach and one-time Australia coach John Buchanan as director of cricket.

"Justin can be proud of his achievements," he said.

The NZC said the search for Vaughan's replacement would begin immediately.