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NZ Cricket reveals why it chose NZ20 over Big Bash
Sport Nation • October 7th, 2026 10:41 am
Photo: Photosport
New Zealand Cricket has defended its decision to pursue a new domestic T20 competition, saying NZ20 offers greater long-term benefits for the game than a proposed Big Bash League partnership.
NZC Board Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon admitted the organisation should have done more to explain the decision when it was announced in March.
“We're confident we made the right call pursuing NZ20, but we acknowledge we should have provided more information about the process to get there and the rationale for where we finally landed,” she said in a statement.
“People who love this game deserved to know how we made the decision - we've heard that, and want to make it right.”
The decision was informed by four expert reports, including analysis from Deloitte, In Your Corner and international consultants Honoco.
Puketapu-Lyndon confirmed Deloitte's report had favoured exploring the Big Bash opportunity further at the time, citing potential financial upside and governance benefits.
However, NZC ultimately placed significant weight on the impact on grassroots cricket.
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“Our constitution says the amateur game is the reason NZC exists, and NZ20 was the superior option in that respect with the development of a Capital Fund from the sale of teams which would help underpin the community game for years to come,” Puketapu-Lyndon said.
She also pointed to NZ20's proposed six-team structure as a major advantage.
“The fact that NZ20 also offered a competition with six teams spread across the country, was another significant upside in terms of providing pathways for players, as well as exposure to fans and the ability to grow the game in New Zealand,” she said.
“There was also the commitment of a significant ownership stake, at zero cost, for NZC in the venture.”
Puketapu-Lyndon said NZC also listened closely to its cricket stakeholders before making its decision.
“The message was clear, from our Major Associations (MAs) and our professional players – they wanted us to pursue NZ20.”
The Board ultimately voted unanimously, 7-0, to support NZ20 as its preferred option.
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Puketapu-Lyndon said the decision was also about ensuring NZC retained control over the future direction of the game.
She acknowledged the controversy surrounding the process and said NZC needed to improve its communication.
“It’s been a time of change and uncertainty, and we put our hand up in saying we could have handled things better,” Puketapu-Lyndon said.
“NZC is determined to improve our communication and engagement with our staff, our network, and the public, so people are informed and confident about how decisions are made.”
NZ20 is targeted for launch in the 2027-28 season, with NZC saying the parties are working through the terms of a licensing agreement.
Puketapu-Lyndon said the organisation remained optimistic about what the new competition could deliver.
“NZ20 is genuinely aspirational. It has the potential to revolutionise the game of cricket in this country and ensure a sustainable future from the grassroots to the elite.”
