John Wright set to quit as New Zealand coach

Wright was offered a new three-year deal after producing some impressive results over the last 16 months since taking over from Mark Greatbatch in December 2010.

John Wright. Pic/Getty Images

Wright's results included a semi-final appearance at the 2011 ICC World Cup and an historic Test victory over Australia in Hobart.

And given his earlier success with India, the re-signing of Wright was believed to be a key objective for New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White.

White made no secret of his desire to re-appoint the 57-year-old and a deal was rumoured to have been drawn up to, and including, the 2015 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

However, Wright is turning his back on the role and will seek new opportunities further afield. "I am grateful to New Zealand Cricket for the opportunity to coach the national team," he said.

"I had always wanted to coach New Zealand cricketers for New Zealanders and it has been a tremendous privilege for me.u00a0"I appreciate the offer to extend my contract but after much consideration I feel it's the right time to move on and look at other opportunities."

Wright is said to have been at loggerheads with members of the NZC hierarchy, most notably director of cricket John Buchanan.u00a0