Shock over van Dyk’s departure
Some Wellington Blaze women cricketers are shocked by the sudden departure of their popular coach Christie van Dyk amid suggestions Cricket Wellington showed him the door for what it deemed inappropriate behaviour.
Cricket Wellington released a brief statement late on Friday saying: ‘‘Following Christie van Dyk’s resignation he has stepped down as the coach of the Wellington Blaze cricket team after a successful Super Smash campaign.’’
There was no further detail and no glowing tribute for his successful two seasons at the helm of the team.
Van Dyk guided the Blaze to back-to-back Twenty20 titles last month and they won the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition, which is set to resume on February 16.
His wife, Silver Ferns netball great Irene van Dyk, worked with him as team manager.
Stuff understands the Cricket Wellington board was made aware of text messages sent by van Dyk to a player, or players, about their personal lives that were inappropriate, but not serious enough to warrant an official complaint or police involvement. There is no suggestion there was anything sinister behind the messages, which were described more as naive.
Van Dyk was generally well liked by his players and known in cricket circles for being ‘‘old school’’ in his language and behaviour.
Stuff understands that by bringing the messages to the attention of the hierarchy, it was hoped van Dyk might be asked to undergo a personal development programme at season’s end.
Instead, it appears the board – chaired by Sally Morrison – acted swiftly, and van Dyk departed abruptly.
The players were described as shocked, some upset, when they were told.
His two-year contract was set to expire in May.
Cricket Wellington chief executive Cam Mitchell stood by the initial statement yesterday, reiterating that van Dyk resigned and was not pushed.
‘‘It was Christie’s decision and if he wants to shed any light on his reasons, he can.’’