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Buchanan left “due to family circumstances”

Former Australia coach John Buchanan has left his job as director of cricket at New Zealand Cricket (NZC) after two turbulent and controversy-riddled years.

Buchanan’s departure came just minutes after NZC decided to give the head coach full control of selecting the team for matches.

A NZC release noted that Buchanan would be returning to Australia and had left his post two years short of when his contract was supposed to expire “due to family circumstances”.

“Buchanan, who took up the role at NZC in May 2011, is disappointed to be leaving NZC at this time as he has enjoyed his work there,” the release said. “However, due to family circumstances, he has decided to return to Australia.

“Buchanan’s return to Australia will give him the opportunity to explore other roles and consultancies with his business, Buchanan Success Coaching.”

When he initially took up the post of director of cricket, Buchanan was told to encourage “consistent coaching strategies and oversee the entire high-performance programme”.

Only a year after being appointed as director of cricket, John Wright resigned as head coach and just seven months ago, Buchanan admitted to having a rift with NZC chief executive David White, which started over the controversial sacking of Ross Taylor as captain of the national team.