Sir Richard John Hadlee, former New Zealand cricketer

Sir Richard John Hadlee, the first player to reach a landmark 400 test wickets was not only known as a match-winner for his bowling attacks, but he was also a superb hard-hitting batsman. He was one of the four great all-rounders of the 1980s era. From being one of New Zealand's best known exports to the world of cricket, the former New Zealand captain is now batting on a different ground as the Ambassador of New Zealand providing the much-needed face to business development. At the Nasscom Leadership Summit 2012, he spoke at length about his small but innovative nation that holds promise to the world. In an interview with Dataquest, Hadlee provides insights about Indian IT companies in New Zealand, the nurturing hand offered to them, etc. Excerpts

New Zealand can prove to be a good partner for growth. What are your views in this regard?

We are trying to highlight that New Zealand can prove to be a fruitful ground for Indian companies. One of the shining areas are software services companies that hold great promise of growth both on Indian grounds and globally. In order to boost trade between the two countries, we are leveraging platforms like Nasscom Leadership Summit. Supporting our theory of a promising ground are Indian companies like MphasiS, TCS, entertainment companies, etc.

We intend to assume an enviable space in the healthcare IT space after having excelled with significant offerings like RFID tags to monitor cattle, geospatial, etc. Currently, we have a stronghold over offerings for infrastructure, telecom, healthcare, BFSI, etc. We are negotiating for free trade with India, which being a comprehensive agreement will add the much-needed zing to the growth of both nations. Consider the stories of China and New Zealand, where we have witnessed increased trade in the last 3 years. New Zealand being ranked at the premier position as the most honest country, offers it a competitive advantage
to be a good partner in India's success story.

What should cricket learn from IT and vice versa?

 

Both cricket and IT compliment each other. In fact, had IT had an emphasizing presence during our cricketing days, then possibly I would have been a better performer. Technology and sports are expected to assume new heights supported by the fact that today even players demand right decisions. Even a TV replay can be used to make conclusive decisions by leveraging IT. It also helps umpires make the right decisions. This helps avoid spoiling a game, a player's career, and other consequent effects. We expect greater implementation of IT in tennis and rugby.

Is there a lot of scope for IT in sports?

IT educates and engages public with graphics, for example, Virtual Eye, which has been used in the recent India-Australia cricket series that took place in Australia. Companies across the world could use this technology as it could help in better decision-making.