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Sport Nation
'I'm still thinking about it': Stead unsure if he'll pursue another term as Blackcaps coach
Sport Nation • February 4th, 2025 10:30 am
Photo: Photosport
Gary Stead has admitted he's still unsure whether he has the desire to continue as head coach of the Blackcaps.
The 53-year-old's deal expires at the end of the Pakistan tour in April and he's currently in discussions with NZ Cricket regarding what the future may hold beyond that.
Whether that future includes Stead signing on for another tenure is yet to be seen, but he suggests the ball is very much in his court.
"We go right through to the 5th of April and then I get to make a decision after that," Stead told Sport Nation's Beaver & Guy.
"But we're having talks around it."
Stead was first appointed head coach back in 2018, taking the reins from Mike Hesson.
His most notable achievements include guiding the Blackcaps to their first World Test Championship, and more recently overseeing their historic Test series triumph in India.
He's also helped the team to consecutive ODI World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, as well as the T20 World Cup final in 2020.
When asked if he's certain he wants another term at the helm, Stead was non-committal.
"I'm still thinking about it," he said.
Brendon McCullum & Gary Stead I Photo: Photosport
"I've been in the role for six and a half years now and it takes its toll when you miss some important things in your life that you don't want to miss, with family and things like that. They're all the things you weigh up.”
With the demands on modern coaches shifting due to the changing landscape of the professional game globally - in large part inspired by the explosion of T20 leagues - Stead notes there's the possibility NZC follows the trend of splitting the red and white-ball responsibilities.
"Whatever the decision we come to - whether I'm with the team or not - it's been a really successful time with this team and it's a team that's going through quite a bit of change at the moment as well, with the franchise cricket and the way that's going on in the world," he added.
"I think that's a decision that perhaps you'd better ask NZ Cricket around that a little bit more, around the direction that they want to take."
Perhaps Stead's final off-shore assignment will take place over the next month, with the team travelling to Pakistan for a tri-series against the hosts and South Africa, before heading straight into the ICC Champions Trophy.
The cut-throat format of the competition leaves no room for error, and Stead says his team will need to hit the ground running if they're to replicate the heroics of the New Zealand team that lifted the trophy back in 2000.
"This is the sort of tournament when you're really realistic around it.
"There's only five games in it - three pool games and semi and a final. You probably have to win four out of the five and you've got to make sure you win the last two."
Listen to the full interview below:
