Sir Richard Hadlee
Sir Richard Hadlee is a motivational and after-dinner speaker with a wealth of life experiences to share. As a legendary cricketer, he has climbed to the top of his game, overcome serious health issues, and developed strong personal values that have shaped his career and life.
As an after-dinner speaker, Sir Richard captivates audiences with his wit, articulation, and rich anecdotes from his playing days. He shares memorable stories of his confrontations with the world's top cricketers, bringing the spirit of the game to life for his listeners.
Voted the New Zealand Sportsperson of the Decade in 1987, Sir Richard took an impressive 431 test wickets, played 86 test matches, and 115 one-day internationals, with a test bowling average of 22.29. Known as "The Master of Rhythm and Swing," he competed with the likes of Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, and Imran Khan for the title of the world's best all-rounder during the 1980s.
Retiring from international cricket in 1990 after taking a wicket with the last ball he bowled in test cricket, Sir Richard was knighted for his services to the game while still an active player. His involvement in cricket has been extensive, including roles as a player, selector, manager of NZA teams, and NZC board member.
As an accomplished commentator, author, and speaker, he continues to share his vast knowledge of all aspects of the game.
Sir Richard's numerous awards, recognitions, and contributions to cricket and sport make him an exceptional choice for any event, offering audiences a unique opportunity to hear from one of New Zealand's most celebrated sportspersons.
Awards and Recognitions:
•Awarded the M.B.E. for services to New Zealand sport in 1981.
•Awarded a Knighthood for services to cricket in 1990.
•New Zealand Sportsperson of the Year 1980 - supreme award.
•New Zealand Sportsperson of the Year 1986 - supreme award.
•New Zealand Sportsman of the Year 1987.
•New Zealand Sportsperson of the last 25 years 1987 (shared with athlete, Sir John Walker).
•New Zealand Sportsperson of the Decade 1989.
•Winner of the Winsor Cup on 13 occasions, including 12 consecutive years for the 'Most Meritorious Bowling Performance' of the season.
•Wisden 'Cricketer of the Year' 1982.
•The PCA (Professional Cricketer's Association) 'Player of the Year' 1981, 1984, 1987.
•The Cricket Society Wetherall Award winner 4x times for the 'Leading Allrounder of the Year' in English County cricket 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987.
•Awarded a 'Benefit' year in 1986 by Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.
•Awarded a 'Testimonial' year in 1989/90 by Canterbury Cricket.
•In December 2002 he was chosen by Wisden as the 2nd greatest test bowler of all time.
•Became the '12th Best cricketer of All Time' in ESPN's Legends of Cricket.
•Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Letters from the Nottingham University, England, 2008.
•Awarded the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for Services to New Zealand Cricket in 2008.
•In March 2009 he was commemorated as one of the twelve 'Local Heroes of Canterbury' and a bronze bust of him was unveiled at the Christchurch Arts Centre.
•Inducted into the ICC/FICA World Cricket Hall of Fame in April 2009.
•Awarded the 'Altiora Peto' Medal from the High School Old Boys Association (Christchurch Boys High School) in 2009.
•Inducted to Life Membership of New Zealand Cricket in 2010.
•Inducted as a 'Canterbury Sporting Legend' in 2010.
•Became a 'Bradman Honouree' at the Bradman Gala Dinner in 2011. Also inducted into the International Cricket Hall of Fame (as one of the legends of the game) at the Bradman Museum in Bowral, Australia.
•NZ Cricket named 'The Supreme Cricketer of the Year Award' as 'The Sir Richard Hadlee Medal' in 2011 (this award compares with 'The Allan Border Medal' as the Supreme Award for Australian cricketers).
•'Brand Laureate Legendary Award 2015' from the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation for services to sport and being an excellent role model.
