12 Feb 2019

Cricket: McMillan off to IPL

11:29 am on 12 February 2019

Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan is to join the former coach of the national Mike Hesson in the Indian Premier League.

McMillan has resigned from his role and will step down following the Cricket World Cup in the UK.

Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan.

Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan is stepping down following the World Cup in July Photo: Photosport

McMillan was hired by former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson in 2014 and will now join him at the Kings Eleven Punjab, where Hesson is now coaching on a two year deal.

The 42-year-old said he felt like the time was right to move on.

"It's been an amazing experience and one I've immensely enjoyed," McMillan said.

"To help coach the national team on the world stage has been a real honour and I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with so many good people and in such a great environment," he said.

McMillan said he's looking to pursue other coaching opportunities but hasn't elaborated on what they are.

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said McMillan's character and commitment that stood out.

"Macca has a huge passion for the game and he's constantly trying to challenge players to get better.

"He has a lot of cricket knowledge and will certainly be missed by the group, although maybe his fielding warm-ups on those cold mornings won't be."

McMillan is taking a short scheduled break through the three-game One Day series against Bangladesh, before returning for the three-Test series to end the home summer.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the planning for McMillan's replacement would happen in due course with the new batting coach's first assignment the Test tour of Sri Lanka in August.