New Zealand could have a franchise Twenty20 competition as early as January, after New Zealand Cricket selected the NZ20 as its preferred option for the future of the game.
New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) board has made an in-principle decision to support the franchise competition, “subject to the satisfactory resolution ofkey commercial, structural, and governance matters”.
The decision means the league will now work to be up and running from January 2027 for men, and late 2027 for women, to replace the current Super Smash model.
The NZC board met last week to discuss the future of T20 cricket in New Zealand and consider findings from consultancy firm Deloitte, which had been tasked with assessing four options.
It is understood though that while a revamped Super Smash and status quo were on the table, NZC’s board only considered the NZ20 versus a Kiwi entry into Australia’s Big Bash League.
“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,” 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.
“This is an exciting time for cricket in New Zealand.
“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.”
The Northern Brave celebrate winning the men's 2026 Super Smash grand final. Photo / Photosport
An NZC release said several changes to the proposed NZ20 model had been negotiated before a final decision was made.
NZ20 would see private investment come into the game in Aotearoa, and create men’s and women’s competitions, akin to franchise cricket around the rest of the world. Until now, New Zealand had been the only major cricketing nation without a franchise model.
Six teams would be created and sold to investors, who will use private money to attract overseas stars to Kiwi shores.
The preference of NZ20 comes after New Zealand Cricket’s board chose between that and the creation of a Kiwi entry into the Big Bash League.
The NZ20 was the preferred option for the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) and the six Major Associations – Auckland, Northern Districts, Wellington, Central Districts, Canterbury and Otago.
“We’re encouraged by this development and grateful for the confidence shown in the NZ20 vision,” NZ20 Establishment Committee chair Don Mackinnon said.
“This is an important step, but the real work starts now. We look forward to working closely with New Zealand Cricket and stakeholders across the game to shape what NZ20 can become.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has supported the NZ20 journey so far - your ideas, energy, and belief have helped us reach this point.
“To cricket fans across New Zealand: we’re excited about what lies ahead. We believe NZ20 is a chance to create something fresh, exciting, and distinctly Kiwi - bringing fans closer to the game, creating new opportunities for players, and adding a modern edge to cricket in this country.
“We look forward to bringing you along with us as we work with New Zealand Cricket and the six Major Associations to turn this concept into reality.”
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.
