Sport New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin says McCullum has excelled as an inspirational sports leader, evidenced by his actions and deeds both on and off the field.

“Brendon has proved a visionary leader whose infectious enthusiasm has been inspirational for all those around him,” says Miskimmin.

“His goodwill, compassion and sportsmanship have earned high praise internationally and he has marshalled his team, through his outstanding leadership qualities, in some challenging times and led them to consistent success.”

“Over the years Brendon has displayed all the virtues of sportsmanship that New Zealanders hold dear. He has led by example, often displaying courage under fire. He has been humble in victory and gracious in defeat. ”

In an outstanding career for the Black Caps, McCullum, who is due to play his 101^st and final Test Match in Christchurch later this week, has excelled in all three formats of the game.

During a 14-year international career McCullum has scored 11 Test hundreds - including an historic first New Zealand Test triple century - and has accrued a world record total for international T20 runs scored.

Last year he memorably skippered New Zealand to their first ever World Cup Final and boasts the finest captaincy record in terms of his win/loss ratio in Black Caps history.

In 2015 he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to cricket in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.