Source: Radio New Zealand
Jimmy Neesham. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
New Zealand’s top cricketers are happy a decision has been made about the future of the domestic T20 competition and are looking forward to its development.
On Monday New Zealand Cricket decided to push ahead with a proposed NZ20 franchise league rather than entering into an expanded Australian Big Bash competition.
That immediately resulted in former international Dion Nash resigning from the board of New Zealand Cricket, saying he could no longer support the organisation’s direction.
However the players are backing the decision.
Black Caps allrounder Jimmy Neesham said a local improved competition was always their preferred option.
Neesham, who has played franchise cricket around the world, is happy there is now clarity and that all stake-holders are moving in the same direction.
“It is an exciting time for New Zealand cricket and hopefully we can move things forward quickly towards next summer,” Neesham said.
“It keeps things home-grown and in-house. The great thing about the development of players in this country is the ability to rub shoulders with international players (which) really accelerates a young players development.”
Neesham said competitions like The Hundred in Britain and the SA20 in South Africa have helped grow the game in those countries.
“At the end of the day you’re playing the game for the fans, in front of the fans.”
The Blaze players celebrate a wicket in the Super Smash. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand’s top female players compete in two domestic competitions each summer, the Supersmash (T20) and the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 50-over competition.
Only a couple of the games top players are involved in overseas franchise leagues.
White Fern Brooke Halliday said it was important that women’s teams would be a part of the proposed new competition.
“The biggest thing for us is making sure domestic cricket for women in New Zealand is going in the right direction and we’re not going to be going back,” Halliday said.
“So having those consistent games and also competitive games is really important to us as a unit.”
NZC chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said the Board’s decision wasn’t a final commitment, it allows NZC to advance discussions toward a potential licence and a binding commercial arrangement.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/nz-cricketers-back-new-t20-league-youre-playing-the-game-for-the-fans/