BLACKCAPS supporters can look forward to significantly more international cricket this summer and beyond, under the terms of the new future tours programme negotiated by New Zealand Cricket.
NZC chief executive David White has moved to clarify reports regarding the upcoming summer’s international engagements and, in particular, the reciprocal series involving Australia.
Mr White confirmed the BLACKCAPS would be playing a minimum of five Tests against Australia this summer, as well as hosting incoming tours from Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“Nothing’s been written in stone yet regarding the Australia itinerary; no decision’s been made,” said Mr White.
“However, we are exploring the possibility of having the best of both worlds – five Tests over the summer against Australia (three away; two at home), together with the revival of the Chappell-Hadlee one-day series on a sustainable basis.”
The BLACKCAPS haven’t played Australia in a Chappell-Hadlee series for five years, and in a Test match, for four – an anomaly Mr White wanted to rectify.
“We make no apology for wanting a closer working relationship with Cricket Australia,” he said. “Regular competition against one of the best sides in the world is healthy for the BLACKCAPS, NZC and all the stakeholders in our game.”
He said a final decision on this summer’s Australia itinerary would not be announced until after a NZC board meeting later in the month.
“What I can say, however, is that we’re now standing on the cusp of a new era in New Zealand cricket – an era in which we can expect significantly more international cricket on our shores.
“It used to be that two inbound tours each summer was the norm,” said Mr White. “But we have three inbound tours this summer, after which we will have four international teams visiting in 2016/17 and another four in 2017/18.”
“There will be no shortage of either Test or ODI cricket for our supporters.”
“These are exciting times; interest in the BLACKCAPS has never been higher, and we thank you for your on-going support.”
