New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has been awarded Sir Richard Hadlee medal, the country's highest cricketing honour, for his inspirational leadership and exemplary batting at a glittering ceremony, here.

McCullum, 33, led the Kiwis to their first World Cup final where they did lose to Australia by seven wickets at a packed MCG on March 29 but won a million fans with their entertaining show throughout the 50-over showpiece event.

With 328 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 188.50, McCullum led by example to be named captain of the ICC's team of the tournament.

McCullum won the top award ahead of Kane Williamson, who claimed the Redpath Cup for first-class batting, and Trent Boult, who was the winner of the Winsor Cup for bowling.