2025-26 New Zealand domestic season

[Smudge]

Seems like a good time to start a thread for the new season.

Otago trying desperately to paper over the cracks:

https://x.com/AlexChapmanNZ/status/1937039752748023911

 

[ataraxia]

Follow along live and view highlights at: scoring.nzc.nz.

(For easy access for non-regulars.)

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Seems like a good time to start a thread for the new season.

Otago trying desperately to paper over the cracks:

https://x.com/AlexChapmanNZ/status/1937039752748023911

Expect guys like Bradley Scott to come out of retirement - perfectly placed in the age bracket.

 

[NZTailender]

I for one welcome the new look, fresh faces, Otago XI:

Craig Cumming
Aaron Redmond
Neil Broom
Chris Gaffaney
Shaun Haig
Derek de Boorder+
Nathan McCullum
James McMillan
Warren McSkimming
Bradley Scott
David Sewell

 

[OnTheBank]

Volts first round of contracts.

As expected no Dale Phillips and no Dean Foxcroft.

Jack Boyle, Danaru Ferns and Troy Johnson are in.

Otago Cricket Announces Four New Otago Contracts

Otago Cricket has announced its first 15 contracted players ahead of the 2025.2026 domestic season, with four new...

www.otagocricket.co.nz

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Johnson did look as if he needed a reset after last season. Seems Otago is the go-to place for such things.

 

[ataraxia]

I think all the first-round contracts have been announced but Canterbury's. Highlights:

• no contracts for Leo Carter and Will O'Donnell (?)
• Kugglejuggle and Dougeh return to domestic contracts after learning no T20 leagues really want them
• Gulati moves up to Auckland to replace the retired Delport (+ Dale Phillips also), whilst Pringle rejoins ND
• uncapped Harrish Kannan (A); Xavier Bell (ND); Samuel Morgan, Amogh Paranjpe (W) earn contracts

edit: Canterbury have Carter back.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Sam Morgan got a Wellington contract. He'd been scoring runs for fun in first grade and for Wellington A so that's probably a decent call. Wellington still look pretty light on seam bowling depth so Paranjpe better hit the ground running!

 

[RMBolton]

Canterbury took a while. That's not fashionably late, that's ridiculous.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Oscar Jackson gets the final Wellington contract. Batting all-rounder and recent NZ U-19 captain.

 

[Smudge]

Zac Cumming gets the final Volts spot.

Otago Cricket

Zac Cumming returns to the Otago Volts on contract for the 2025/26 season! The young leg spinner completes our 16-player squad and is ready to take another step forward this summer. “I’m looking...

www.facebook.com

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Otago Cricket Announces Four New Otago Contracts

Otago Cricket has announced its first 15 contracted players ahead of the 2025.2026 domestic season, with four new...

www.otagocricket.co.nz

Just noting for Otago followers that Ben Lockrose has been playing for Essex 2nd XI. Took 9 wickets against Leics 2nd XI. Not sure whether he counts as an overseas player given he was born in the UK - might be a dual national?

 

[DougieRydal]

NZ Cricket's Major Associations considering action over 'uncomfortable' new project

EXCLUSIVE: NZ Cricket's Major Associations considering action over 'uncomfortable' new project

Dubbed 'Project Alignment', a potential restructure instigated by NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink could result in a major misalignment.

sportnation.nz

 

[Immenso]

NZ Cricket's Major Associations considering action over 'uncomfortable' new project

EXCLUSIVE: NZ Cricket's Major Associations considering action over 'uncomfortable' new project

Dubbed 'Project Alignment', a potential restructure instigated by NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink could result in a major misalignment.

sportnation.nz

Weenink is ex NCZPA board, and ex CEO.

This move hints of concentrating cash for the top 30 or so elite players, and then pull up the rope ladder.

Damn the base, now. And thus, damn the future elites.

Heath Mills and Simon Porter's of the world like this plan, though.

 

[Immenso]

This is absolute lies:

In reaction to the above story, NZC CEO Scott Weenink has provided the following statement to Sport Nation:

"Like all sports in New Zealand, cricket is facing an uncertain future due to shrinking revenues and

 

[Bahnz]

This is absolute lies:

In reaction to the above story, NZC CEO Scott Weenink has provided the following statement to Sport Nation:

"Like all sports in New Zealand, cricket is facing an uncertain future due to shrinking revenues and

Tbf there's quite a lot of talk of the big 3 taking a bigger slice of the ICC pie in future, and the value of ICC broadcasting rights having peaked anyway as the IPL and IPL associated events take up more and more of the calendar.

 

[Smudge]

Slightly left-field from the Volts but I don't mind it.

Josh Tasman-Jones named coach with Andre Adams a very experienced assistant coach. Stead stays on in an advisory capacity.

Volts name former batter Tasman-Jones as coach

Former Otago top-order batter Josh Tasman-Jones knows his first challenge will be to win people over. The 35-year-old has been appointed Volts...

www.odt.co.nz

 

[Immenso]

Adam's is an absolute coup for the Volts, going on his reputation.

 

[Flem274*]

NZ Cricket's Major Associations considering action over 'uncomfortable' new project

EXCLUSIVE: NZ Cricket's Major Associations considering action over 'uncomfortable' new project

Dubbed 'Project Alignment', a potential restructure instigated by NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink could result in a major misalignment.

sportnation.nz

This reads like only kids who can afford to will play in future, like in England.

Classic corporate. Cut costs today, screw up investment in tomorrow.