Acknowledging Ric Charlesworth's contribution to it, New Zealand [Images] Cricket described the Aussie hockey legend as "a change agent" who made everyone realise the importance of becoming a world class performer.

NZC CEO Justin Vaughan said Charlesworth, who worked with the Board as a High Performance Manager, brought in a change in the thought process among the players.

• Charlesworth to start India job in December

"He has impressed upon the organisation that we must aspire to be truly world-class in all that we do, we cannot attempt to consistently win on the international stage without the highest standards and frameworks underpinning our premier teams," Vaughan said after Charlesworth resigned on Wednesday to take up the Technical Advisor's job with Indian hockey.

Vaughan said the values Charlesworth inculcated among the players would continue to motivate all for a long time.

"Since his arrival at NZC in 2005, Ric has made great improvements to our High Performance area and his contribution will be greatly missed.

"However, I know that most of us appreciate that Ric is a real 'change agent' and that his time with the organization would always be limited.

"I am certain that many of Ric's changes will be long-lasting both from a structural aspect but also, and more importantly, from a cultural perspective," Vaughan said.

Terming as difficult the decision to part with NZC, Charlesworth said he will continue to track the New Zealand cricket team's performance.

"This has been a difficult decision because I have greatly enjoyed living in New Zealand and working with NZC," he said.

"I am optimistic that New Zealand Cricket has the people and structure in place in high performance to challenge the world's best during the next decade.

"I will continue to closely watch the fortunes of the game in New Zealand and I hope that the relationships I have developed will endure," Charlesworth added.

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