The decision is not a final commitment, according to an NZC release, but the board has made an “in-principle” decision to support the new league. The outcome closes the door on any potential move into the W/BBL which had been another option on the table for NZC.
“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,” NZC board chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon 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.”
However, Puketapu-Lyndon added that several changes to the initial NZ20 proposal would be needed, significantly the position of the women’s game in the new tournament.
“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,” she said.
“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”.
“I think the opportunity to build something here in New Zealand, hopefully play more games of cricket within New Zealand, is really exciting,” she said. “But equally, I mean, I’ve been involved in the Big Bash from the start so I know exactly what that tournament can bring. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to do what’s best for, I guess, the game in general.”
It is modeled on how the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is run whereby the tournament would receive a license from NZC but be managed independently.
“This is an exciting time for cricket in New Zealand,” Puketapu-Lyndon said “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.”
When the proposal for NZ20 initially emerged the timeline was to look to launch it in January 2027 but it remains to be seen if a nine-month turnaround is realistic.