New Zealand Cricket have confirmed an exciting new chapter for the National U17 Girls Tournament, which will now be delivered directly by NZC and hosted at Lincoln University — marking a shift from the past three seasons, where it was successfully run by Manawatu Cricket Association.
Head of Women’s HP Development, Liz Green, said the change reflects a significant step in strengthening women’s cricket pathways in aligning the U17 tournament with other key programmes.
“We’re really excited for the National U17 to be held at Lincoln University,” she said.
“The tournament will act as the first stage of national talent identification for girls’ cricket and to me it feels like we now have a complete pathway, from U17’s right through to the WHITE FERNS.
“The tournament will be an amazing experience for the players and coaches who will be able to experience some of the very best facilities in the country.
“There’s an overwhelming sense of excitement and it will be a special occasion for those players who get to be a part of the first tournament in Lincoln.”
The addition of the U17 tournament follows a wave of momentum in women and girls’ cricket with participation numbers rising 15% since last season.
Notably, 80 secondary school girls’ teams participated in the 2025 Summer Tournament Week last season, highlighting the growing popularity of youth cricket.
Green credited the wider cricket network for building the depth of female talent across the country.
“The depth of talent that we’re now seeing in the female pathway is testament to the work happening within the community game and greater levels of investment from Major Associations and District Associations to develop talent within their regions.”
“Player development is not linear, so it’s important we continue to provide a broad range of playing opportunities to ensure development, retention and progression at every stage of the pathway.”
Lincoln University will transform into a hive of cricketing activity through the summer period, hosting six national tournaments between December 2025 and January 2026.
Later in the 2025-26 summer, Lloyd Elsmore Park in Auckland will play host to the fourth edition of the Rangatahi Cricket Festival, which evolved last summer to include South Asian sides.
The Rangatahi Cricket Festival launched in 2022 and provides a platform for Maori, Pasifika, and South Asian youth cricketers to test their skills and express their culture.
NZC will also continue to deliver the Māori National Tournaments (Tane & Wahine Tournaments) every two years, with the next one planned for the 2026-27 season.
2025-26 Tournament Schedule:
- National U19 Men's Tournament: Lincoln University, Canterbury - 1st-8th Dec 2025
- Secondary School Girls’ First XI Cup: Lincoln University, Canterbury - 10th-14th Dec 2025
- Secondary School Boys’ First XI Cup: Lincoln University, Canterbury - 16th-22nd Dec 2025
- National U19 Women's Tournament: Lincoln University, Canterbury - 4th-11th Jan 2026
- National U17 Boys’ Tournament: Lincoln University, Canterbury - 13th-20th Jan 2026
- *National U17 Girls’ Tournament*: Lincoln University, Canterbury - 22nd-25th Jan 2026
- Rangatahi Festival: Howick Pakuranga, Auckland - 27th-29th Jan 2026
