Gavin Larsen Steps Down as Warwickshire Performance Director

Gavin Larsen, who was appointed in March 2023 as the performance director at Edgbaston, a role that effectively replaced former director of cricket Paul Farbrace after his departure to Sussex, is resigning after two seasons to go back to his home country of New Zealand. This announcement comes just one day after Warwickshire revealed current New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham as their primary overseas player signing for the 2025 season. Mr. Larsen, also a New Zealander, is returning to his home country citing “personal reasons.” The 62-year-old former New Zealand international stated: “My tenure has been shorter than planned. But sometimes in life the odd curve ball can be thrown your way. That’s the case here.“It’s been an absolute pleasure being part of the Bears family and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. It’s been a great ride.”I certainly feel a big part of the Edgbaston family. People and relationships are always key in any walk of life. And here at Edgbaston I can honestly say it’s as positive an environment as I’ve been involved in.” Mr. Larsen is scheduled to return to New Zealand next week, though he will continue in his current position into the new year “to ensure a smooth transition.” Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain commented: “Gavin has a great energy and a depth of cricketing knowledge that is second to none.”He has worked tirelessly to improve the high-performance environment. Whilst not linked, we will now combine the findings of the high-performance review with the chance to freshen up our high-performance leadership team.” Last season, under first-team coach Mark Robinson, Warwickshire placed seventh out of ten teams in the County Championship. They secured only one victory in 14 matches, avoiding relegation with 25 points to spare. The team was eliminated in the T20 Blast quarter-finals for the fifth consecutive year and also reached the semi-finals of the One-Day Cup. Due to the recent reorganisation of women’s cricket nationally, Warwickshire will also introduce a women’s team next season for the first time. This team, led by Alistair Maiden, will participate in the women’s T20 and the women’s One-Day Cup competitions.