The Otago Cricket Association has filled one of its more important vacancies.
But a foundation stone has been slid into place with the appointment of former Sri Lankan first-class cricketer Ramesh Subasinghe as the pathways programme head coach and manager.
He replaces Adam Miles, who has moved south to support his wife in the family business.
It is a long job title but essentially his role is to coach the Otago A team, develop and identify talent and provide coaching support for the Volts and Sparks head coaches.
Subasinghe boasts an impressive resume. The 37-year-old moved to New Zealand in 2015 to take up a opportunity with Taranaki Cricket.
He joined Northern Districts in 2018, where he had multiple coaching roles.
At the recent NZC Cricket Community Awards he was named cricket development officer of the year for his outstanding service.
A pace bowler, Subasinghe played first-class cricket between 2006 and 2013 and also played professionally in the United Kingdom at a lower level.
Subasinghe wanted to take the next step as a coach and the role with Otago cricket offered a new challenge.
"I just saw an opportunity to coach more because at the moment I’m heavily involved in developing the game," Subasinghe said.
"This gives me a chance to do a lot of hands-on coaching and that is where my passion really lies, so that was the driver behind the decision."
While Subasinghe will be doing more coaching in Otago, the main focus will still be on "growing the next tier for the Volts and Sparks".
Subasinghe is ambitious about his coaching career and would like to coach at the top level.
"But it is a journey for me and this is a great opportunity to get in that environment and learn.
"It will be a good stepping stone and I’m really excited to work with the emerging talent, as well."
Subasinghe and his wife Tharenie, and daughter Tia (4), will move to Dunedin next month.
The family has had one holiday in the South Island and Subasinghe has made trips to Lincoln and Queenstown for cricket. But the family will be new to Dunedin and are looking forward to settling into life in the South.
Otago Cricket Association high performance manager Simon Forde said Subasinghe’s energy and passion shone during the interview process.
“What stood out was his energy and love for the game and his desire and determination to make a genuine impact on the pathway players, both male and female, across our region," Forde said.
"I am really looking forward to working alongside side Ramesh and welcoming his family to our great city and the wider Otago region."
