Latest news with #BlackCaps'
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First Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
New Zealand appoint Rob Walter as head coach in all formats ahead of Zimbabwe tour
Rob Walter has been appointed as the new head coach of the New Zealand men's cricket team across all formats, replacing Gary Stead. The former South Africa white-ball coach will begin his tenure with the Black Caps' tour of Zimbabwe. read more Wellington (New Zealand): Rob Walter has been hired to coach the New Zealand men's cricket team in all three formats as a replacement for Gary Stead. Walter coached South Africa's teams in the one-day and Twenty20 formats from January 2023 until April this year. Before then he coached New Zealand's Otago province for five years and at the Central Districts association. He guided South Africa to the semifinals of the 2023 World Cup and the Champions Trophy earlier this year in the ODI format and to the final of the T20 World Cup last year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Stead was New Zealand head coach in all three formats from 2018 until earlier this week, when New Zealand Cricket announced it was seeking a replacement. Stead announced in March he was stepping down from his roles in the limited-overs formats but intended to remain as test coach. New Zealand Cricket said it preferred a coach to lead the Black Caps in all three formats. 'It's an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and support staff through a period of time in which so many global events, as well as massive bilateral series will be contested,' Walter said. 'I just can't wait to get started. It's exciting, it's challenging and the opportunity is enormous.' The 49-year-old Walter was high on New Zealand Cricket's list of preferred candidates from the moment it decided to pursue another all-formats coach, ruling out Stead who guided the Black Caps to the inaugural World Test Championship. 'Rob is a world-class coach with an outstanding pedigree,' NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said. 'His success in New Zealand's domestic game combined with his recent achievements on the global stage with South Africa makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Black Caps.' He'll take over in time for New Zealand's tour to Zimbabwe, which starts with a T20 tri-series against the hosts and South Africa before a two-Test series against Zimbabwe.
1News
5 days ago
- Sport
- 1News
New Black Caps head coach named
Former South Africa, Otago, and Central Districts coach Rob Walter has been appointed as the Black Caps' new coach in all formats. The 49-year-old, who replaces Gary Stead, said he was "honoured and excited" to be given the responsibility to carry on the work of his predecessor. 'The Black Caps have been a successful and highly-regarded team on the world scene for some time now and it's a real privilege to be given the chance to add to that," he said. "It's an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and support staff through a period of time in which so many global events, as well as massive bilateral series, will be contested." Walter has been appointed on a three-year deal, beginning in mid-June through until October/November 2028. ADVERTISEMENT Born in South Africa, he lives in Hawke's Bay. Parliament punishment, free money?, getting wicked again (Source: 1News) He was most recently head coach of South Africa's white ball teams. During his contract term, he will see the Black Caps through the ICC World Test Championship, the 2028 LA Olympics, and three major ICC events: the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup, the ICC 2027 Cricket World Cup, and the ICC 2028 T20 World Cup. "I just can't wait to get started. It's exciting, it's challenging, and the opportunity is enormous for everyone," Walter said. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Scott Weenink said it was the right time and place for Walter to join the team. 'His success in New Zealand's domestic game, combined with his recent achievements on the global stage with South Africa, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Black Caps."
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Stead to step down as New Zealand head coach
Agencies New Zealand head coach Gary Stead will step down from the role when his contract expires at the end of the month, reports The 53-year-old had already said he would quit as coach of the Black Caps' one-day international and T20 sides, but had remained interested in coaching the Test team. However, New Zealand Cricket decided they want one head coach across all three formats, which effectively ruled Stead out of the Test job. Stead, a former top-order batter who played five Tests for the Kiwis, succeeded Mike Hesson in August 2018 and oversaw a period of success. The highlight was guiding New Zealand to the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 where they defeated India in the final. He was also in charge of the white-ball teams which reached the finals of the 2019 50-over World Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy in 2024. Stead said he still has the 'coaching bug' and will 'look to explore opportunities at home and abroad'. 'There's been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other and for the fans,' he said. 'For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game. 'It's been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I'd like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the Black Caps are a team that won't fold and will always show the grit and determination to compete.' Stead took charge of 268 matches across all formats with 147 victories, 100 defeats, six draws, six ties and nine matches with no result. Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said Stead 'gave absolutely everything' to the Kiwi cause. 'There was no one more hard working and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed,' added Williamson. 'He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke.'
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Muhammad Abbas, Pakistani-origin cricketer, gets central contract by New Zealand for 2025-26
Pakistani-born all-rounder Muhammad Abbas has been awarded a central contract by New Zealand Cricket for the 2025–26 season, marking a significant milestone in his rising international career. The Lahore-born cricketer is one of four new faces on the Black Caps' centrally contracted list, joining Mitch Hay, Zak Foulkes and Adithya Ashok. His inclusion highlights New Zealand's commitment to nurturing emerging talent through a diverse and inclusive pathway system. Abbas, a left-handed batter and right-arm medium-pacer, rose to prominence earlier this year during his One-Day International debut against Pakistan—the country of his birth. He scored a blistering 52 off just 26 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest half-century by a debutant in men's ODIs. Having migrated to New Zealand as a child, Abbas developed his cricketing abilities through the country's structured age-group and domestic circuits. His rapid rise underscores both his personal work ethic and the effectiveness of New Zealand's development framework. The 21-year-old is expected to play a key role in the Black Caps' preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for next February. His dual skill set with bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the national setup. 'Muhammad's fearless approach and adaptability stood out,' said a spokesperson from New Zealand Cricket. 'He brings fresh energy to the team and embodies the spirit of modern New Zealand cricket.' This year's contract list reflects a generational shift, with a blend of established names and rising stars, reinforcing the board's long-term vision. While Abbas' name may be new to some fans, it is likely to feature more prominently in the years ahead.
The Advertiser
03-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Master bat Williamson makes big New Zealand call
Ex-captain Kane Williamson has again rejected a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and will likely will miss the Black Caps' two Test tour to Zimbabwe next month. Williamson also decided not to accept a central contract last year, to leave himself free to play in Twenty20 and other leagues around the world. He instead signed a casual contract last year and still played in nine of New Zealand's 13 Tests in 2024, scoring more than 1,000 runs. The master bat was absent from the list of 20 contracted players released by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday, along with Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson who also are playing in T20 leagues overseas. He is expected again to sign a casual contract. Allrounders Muhammad Abbas and Zak Foulkes, wicketkeeper Mitch Hay and spinner Adi Ashok are contracted for the first time in the absence of Tim Southee, who has retired, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel and Josh Clarkson. Williamson currently is playing for Middlesex in the English County Championship and T20 Blast and for the London Spirit in The Hundred. He is expected to have county commitments while New Zealand play Zimbabwe in late July and early August. The 20 contracted players were ranked on domestic and international performances over the past year. "The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said. "These players have shown they can compete at the highest level and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward." Ex-captain Kane Williamson has again rejected a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and will likely will miss the Black Caps' two Test tour to Zimbabwe next month. Williamson also decided not to accept a central contract last year, to leave himself free to play in Twenty20 and other leagues around the world. He instead signed a casual contract last year and still played in nine of New Zealand's 13 Tests in 2024, scoring more than 1,000 runs. The master bat was absent from the list of 20 contracted players released by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday, along with Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson who also are playing in T20 leagues overseas. He is expected again to sign a casual contract. Allrounders Muhammad Abbas and Zak Foulkes, wicketkeeper Mitch Hay and spinner Adi Ashok are contracted for the first time in the absence of Tim Southee, who has retired, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel and Josh Clarkson. Williamson currently is playing for Middlesex in the English County Championship and T20 Blast and for the London Spirit in The Hundred. He is expected to have county commitments while New Zealand play Zimbabwe in late July and early August. The 20 contracted players were ranked on domestic and international performances over the past year. "The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said. "These players have shown they can compete at the highest level and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward." Ex-captain Kane Williamson has again rejected a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and will likely will miss the Black Caps' two Test tour to Zimbabwe next month. Williamson also decided not to accept a central contract last year, to leave himself free to play in Twenty20 and other leagues around the world. He instead signed a casual contract last year and still played in nine of New Zealand's 13 Tests in 2024, scoring more than 1,000 runs. The master bat was absent from the list of 20 contracted players released by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday, along with Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson who also are playing in T20 leagues overseas. He is expected again to sign a casual contract. Allrounders Muhammad Abbas and Zak Foulkes, wicketkeeper Mitch Hay and spinner Adi Ashok are contracted for the first time in the absence of Tim Southee, who has retired, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel and Josh Clarkson. Williamson currently is playing for Middlesex in the English County Championship and T20 Blast and for the London Spirit in The Hundred. He is expected to have county commitments while New Zealand play Zimbabwe in late July and early August. The 20 contracted players were ranked on domestic and international performances over the past year. "The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said. "These players have shown they can compete at the highest level and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward."
