In a significant shift that could reshape the domestic cricket landscape, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has taken a major step toward backing a new franchise-based T20 competition, identifying the proposed NZ20 league as its preferred direction.
The NZC Board has given its in-principle backing to the concept, allowing the governing body to move forward with detailed discussions. While this does not represent a final agreement, it signals clear intent to prioritise the NZ20 model, subject to resolving key commercial, governance, and structural considerations.
The decision enables NZC to concentrate efforts on negotiating a potential licensing framework and establishing a binding commercial partnership with the NZ20 league.
NZC Board Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon described the move as a crucial milestone after an extensive evaluation process. She said recognising NZ20 as the preferred option was a significant step in a process that carefully weighed the pros and cons of the two main opportunities.
She said the Board thoroughly debated the choice between potential expansion into Australia’s W/BBL and the NZ20 concept, addressing all central issues involved.
“There was extensive discussion on the merits of these proposals, but the Board concluded that now’s the right time to revitalise our 21-year-old Super Smash competition,” she said.
“This followed broad consultation, particularly within our cricket network, and careful consideration of a wide range of information and advice, including the Deloitte Report. The next steps include working with NZ20 to agree terms and seeking support from our members.”
Ms Puketapu-Lyndon emphasised that identifying a preferred option was part of the process, not the end of it.
Several changes to the original NZ20 proposal needed to be negotiated before a final decision was made.
“In particular, we want to work with NZ20 to ensure it incorporates and supports the women’s domestic T20 competition, and that it maintains a level of prominence and visibility consistent with NZC’s strategic commitment to the women’s game.
“Ensuring regional representation of NZ20 teams so fans and aspiring young cricketers can see their heroes in action is also very important to the Board, as is the question of ownership and control, including equity in the competition”.
She noted that the NZC brand carried significant global value, bolstered by the impressive performances of its national teams in ICC events.
The White Ferns are the current T20 World Cup Champions, and the BLACK CAPS were recent finalists in the men’s version.
“This is an exciting time for cricket in New Zealand,” said Ms Puketapu-Lyndon. “We owe it to everyone to negotiate an outcome that best serves the interests of the game here – and we’re confident we’re heading in the right direction.”
NZC has confirmed it will not make further public statements on the development until negotiations progress further.
