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Join our Fantasy SRP leagueConcerns over New Zealand's T20 League future as D-day wait continues
Alex Chapman • February 14th, 2026 8:20 am
Super Smash at the Basin Reserve | Photo: Marty Melville/Photosport
Members of representatives on both sides of the ditch have headed behind closed doors to discuss the future of T20 cricket in New Zealand.
However, concerns are being raised a final decision isn’t happening fast enough.
Sport Nation understands that on Thursday members of the NZ20 consortium presented their proposal to New Zealand Cricket as they look to shake-up what the shortest form of the game looks like on these shores.
It’s also understood that representatives from Cricket Australia spoke to the NZC board about the proposition of a New Zealand team joining the Big Bash League.
It comes at a time when a review, led by Deloitte, is being conducted - though an NZC spokesperson said they don’t have a set date for the report.
Deloitte was tasked with examining various options for revitalising T20 cricket in New Zealand, including private ownership, a revamped Super Smash, and entering a New Zealand team into Australia’s BBL.
It’s understood the review won’t be an entire recommendation for the future model, rather analysis of all options presented and being discussed.
Sport Nation understands that’s a change to the initial guidelines set out.
However, sources have indicated a growing concern at the length of time it’s taking for the analysis to be presented.
Daryl Mitchell on why New Zealand needs the proposed NZ20 franchise competition | Mornings
With no guarantees of what domestic T20 cricket may look like in New Zealand going forward, the recently-completed Super Smash was the final edition of the competition in its current form as part of the TV broadcast deal, and a new deal yet to be signed.
It’s also understood that several leading New Zealand players currently have multi-year, financially lucrative contracts with overseas leagues in front of them which they’re waiting to sign while NZ's future is up in the air.
A number of high-profile individuals are believed to be involved in the NZ20 group, including former Blackcaps captains Stephen Fleming and Daniel Vettori, renowned sports administrator David Howman, and Players Association boss Heath Mills.
If given the nod to proceed, the proposed league will also receive backing from high-profile individuals, both here and overseas, and overseen by an investor who would own the league.
And while the competition would not be run by NZ Cricket, it does require their support and granting of a licence to run the competition.
Northern Brave celebrate winning the 2026 Super Smash Grand Final over the Canterbury Kings | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
There will also need to be a variation to the Master Agreement to remove the obligation for players to participate in the Super Smash - a separate memorandum of understanding would be signed between the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) and NZ20.
The franchises would be independent of the Major Associations, however it’s understood the MAs are supportive of the concept and subsequent changes to the current MOU.
It’s believed that as many as 20 groups have been spoken with about investing.
Among those who have been tipped as possible investors, are current owners of cricket franchises including those in the Indian Premier League, current and former New Zealand and other international players, and owners of other NZ sports clubs.
Colin Munro's honest assessment of the Big Bash vs Super Smash | Mornings
