New Zealand cricket is facing the prospect of significant change as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) evaluates plans to launch a new franchise-based T20 competition, tentatively titled NZ20, or alternatively to field a team in future editions of the Big Bash League. T20 World Cup-winning captain Sophie Devine has expressed support for the proposed domestic league.
At present, the Super Smash remains the only 20-over competition staged within New Zealand, despite the country’s players being in strong demand across global franchise tournaments. A large number of Black Caps regulars are currently committed to the IPL and PSL, resulting in their absence from the men’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh scheduled between April 17 and May 2. NZC has sought to balance player opportunities for development and earnings with the needs of national teams in managing these competing commitments.
Following the White Ferns’ victory over South Africa in the third women’s T20I in Auckland on Friday, Devine was asked whether she would favour the introduction of an NZ-based franchise in the BBL and WBBL — an option reportedly explored by former NZC chief executive Scott Weenink — or the establishment of the NZ20 tournament, which is still in the early planning stages but continues to attract backing from players.
“Where I lean towards is the women’s game here in New Zealand and whatever that looks like,” Devine said, “Whether that is a team in the Big Bash, whether that’s the NZ20, we’ve got to make sure that we’re supporting the women’s game and that they’re playing more games of cricket.
“I’ve been really fortunate to have played around the world, [for] different franchises, have played a lot in Australia (143 WBBL games) and the thing that stands out is how well they’re supported at their home boards and the opportunities that they’ve got to play competitive cricket. If anything, I probably do lean towards the NZ20.”
Men’s Test captain Tom Latham had also publicly supported the NZ20 concept in December 2025.
The ongoing discussions have, however, generated uncertainty within New Zealand cricket. Weenink stepped down from his role as NZC chief executive last December, citing differences with other stakeholders over the future direction of the sport in the country.
Reports indicate that NZC has commissioned an independent review to assess the viability of both options — creating a domestic NZ20 competition or aligning with the established Big Bash framework. The board already holds a stake in Major League Cricket in the United States and is expected to co-own a team as that tournament expands.
“I think the opportunity to build something here in New Zealand, hopefully play more games of cricket within New Zealand, is really exciting,” Devine said. “But equally, I mean, I’ve been involved in the Big Bash from the start so I know exactly what that tournament can bring. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to do what’s best for, I guess, the game in general.
“But obviously for me, I’ve obviously got a vested interest in the women’s game and making sure that we don’t let that slide whatever decision is made. We need to make sure that there’s competitive cricket and enough of it as well. I think that would be the biggest concern for me, if the women’s domestic game is losing games of cricket.
“So, yeah, I don’t really care what happens as long as there’s good competitive cricket that’s going to keep continuing to build the White Ferns but also get more people involved in the game.”
Organisers of the NZ20 competition have targeted January 2027 for the launch of a men’s tournament and December of the same year for a women’s edition. However, the proposal is still awaiting formal approval from NZC and has yet to secure the private investment required to move forward.
