Former international Dipak Patel's connection with Central Districts has ended.

Patel, who coached CD to win the Shell Cup in its last season last year, and the Shell Trophy in 1998/99 has retired from his position with the side.

Patel had five seasons as coach of the side and included among the highlights of his connection is a defeat of India in 1998/99 and a memorable performance against the Australians of 1999/00.

As a result of their one-day success last summer, CD represented New Zealand at the Champions Cup tournament in Perth, where they beat Indian side Mumbai in round robin play.

Several CD players advanced to national honours during Patel's tenure.

National representatives included Craig Spearman, Andrew Penn, Mathew Sinclair, Glen Sulzberger, Jacob Oram and also New Zealand A players Michael Mason and Lance Hamilton.

CD chief executive Blair Furlong commented: "Although Dipak continued to be based in Auckland during his five summers as coach, his commitment to Central Districts and its players was first class.

"His ability to mould a team was seen when basically his first contact with them on a regular basis was in October when the Stags had its annual camp and usually played the Academy in Christchurch.

"In addition we are grateful to Dipak's family for allowing Central Districts to disrupt their family life for five summers.

"Central Districts wishes Dipak Patel well in his future cricketing endeavours and thanks him most sincerely for a job well done," Furlong said.

That future may well see Patel take on the coaching of the Auckland side after its coach Tony Sail stood down at the end of this summer.

© CricInfo