Black Caps Prepare for Star-Studded Home Summer Against Cricket Powerhouses

Wednesday - 09/07/2025 05:01

The South Africa leg will see double-headers involving both the men's and women's teams

New Zealand is gearing up for a blockbuster home summer of cricket in 2025-26, hosting Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies across multiple formats. The NZC unveiled the schedule, which also includes a twin white-ball series for the women's team against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Black Caps anticipate busy season leading to the T20 World Cup

The men's team have a packed schedule ahead of the T20 World Cup next year © Getty

T20 Series Against Australia and England

The action begins with a three-match T20I series against Australia, starting on October 1st. Following this, England will visit for a white-ball series featuring three T20Is (from October 18th) and three ODIs (from October 26th).

West Indies Multi-Format Tour

The West Indies will then embark on a comprehensive tour, commencing with a five-match T20I series on November 5th. This will be followed by three ODIs, starting November 16th, and three Tests, with the first starting on December 6th.

White Ferns' Home Season

The White Ferns, after participating in the ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, will play 14 white-ball games at home, starting early next year.

Historic Series Against Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will tour New Zealand for the first time ever, playing a three-match T20I series that begins on February 25th. A three-match ODI series, part of the next ICC Women's Championship 2025-29, will follow, starting March 5th.

Doubleheaders with South Africa

A five-match T20I series against South Africa will be played as doubleheaders alongside the men's side, running concurrently from March 15th to 25th. The White Ferns will also play three ODIs against South Africa between March 29th and April 4th.

NZC Chief Executive's Statement

"It's great to welcome such a diverse range of opponents for both the Blackcaps and White Ferns, and especially pleasing for NZC to host the first-ever series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand women," said NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink. "Fans will see top-tier cricket across all our major centres, with the doubleheaders against South Africa offering a chance to watch the very best female and male cricketers in the world on display in a unique day-out experience."

He added, "We're thrilled to build this exciting home summer around the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and on the back of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, giving our players a chance to shine on the global stage as well as at home in front of their own fans. We've seen fantastic crowds across the country over the past few seasons and are looking forward to that continuing this summer given the strength of the schedule."

Player Perspective

"It feels like a marquee summer," said pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson. "The calibre of opposition means we'll be constantly tested for the duration of the season and that's what you want as a cricketer. It's great to have another three-Test series at home and I'm sure the fans will get in behind the Test team as they have in seasons gone by. It's always special to play in front of a home crowd and we're hoping Kiwis will get out in force to support us once again this summer."