Cricket: Cooper charged with developing domestic game

Former Central Districts batsman David Cooper has done a good job with Northern Districts, now he needs to do it with the rest of New Zealand's major associations.

Cooper has been appointed New Zealand Cricket's general manager of domestic cricket after spending the last eight years as Northern Districts chief executive.

He will work closely with the six major associations overseeing the marketing, advertising, promoting and event management components for men's domestic cricket including HRV Cup, Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield. Cooper will begin in January.

"The new GM domestic cricket is an important role in transforming and elevating the profile of NZC's men's domestic competitions and we are delighted to appoint someone so well qualified for the position," NZC chief executive David White said.

"David will bring a wealth of experience and understanding of domestic cricket from his past playing days and recent involvement in cricket administration.

"He already has strong relationships with the six major associations and the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association and will work collaboratively with them to enhance and promote a high quality domestic competition that will captivate both players and spectators."

Cooper has a good record in sports management, having worked as Waikato Rugby Union's amateur rugby manager and as Sport Wanganui's programme manager.