New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and US-based company True North Sports Ventures (TNS) have agreed to step back from the partnership announced in April 2025.
The unique agreement was set to see NZC and TNS launch a Major League Cricket (MLC) Franchise in 2027, with NZC to provide high performance and operational support to the venture.
NZC CEO Geoff Allott said the decision to step back from the agreement was driven by a need to focus resources on opportunities here in New Zealand to continue to strengthen the High Performance programme, before looking to expand.
“Firstly, I want to say that I admire the endeavour and aspiration behind the partnership with TNS,” he said.
“There’s plenty of potential in the American market, however following further evaluation of the opportunity, we don’t think the timing is right for us to be taking this on.
"Our immediate priority is ensuring we continue to invest in strengthening cricket in New Zealand and refining the best possible high-performance environment for our players and teams.
“I want to thank TNS and MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan for allowing us to explore the opportunity and their support in coming to this mutual agreement.
"We wish them all the best for the future of MLC and have pledged to keep the lines of communication open.”
Allott confirmed NZC had invested no capital in the partnership and would have no ongoing investment or involvement.