Black Caps Set for Blockbuster Home Summer Against Cricket Giants

Wednesday - 25/06/2025 10:44

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

New Zealand is set to host a series of high-profile international cricket teams, including Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa, during the 2025-26 home summer. This was announced by NZC alongside the schedule. The New Zealand Women's team will also participate in a twin white-ball series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

New Zealand men's cricket team faces a busy home season.

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

Schedule Highlights

The summer will begin with a three-match T20I series against Australia, starting on October 1. Following this, England will visit for a white-ball series, which includes three T20Is starting October 18 and three ODIs commencing October 26.

West Indies are scheduled for a multi-format tour, starting with a five-match T20I series from November 5. The tour will continue with three ODIs, beginning November 16, and conclude with three Test matches, the first of which starts on December 6.

Women's Team Engagements

The New Zealand Women's team, fresh from the ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, will have a home season featuring 14 white-ball games. Their season starts early next year.

Key Series for White Ferns

The White Ferns will host Zimbabwe for the first time ever in a three-match T20I series starting on February 25. This will be followed by a three-match ODI series, part of the next ICC Women's Championship 2025-29, beginning March 5.

A five-match T20I series against South Africa will be played as double-headers alongside the men's matches from March 15 to 25. The White Ferns will also play three T20Is against South Africa Women between March 29 and April 4.

NZC's Perspective

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink expressed his enthusiasm for the schedule, stating, "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."

He highlighted the doubleheaders against South Africa as a unique opportunity for fans to witness top-tier male and female cricketers.

Weenink also emphasized the importance of building the home summer around the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, providing players with a platform to shine both globally and at home.

Player's Perspective

Pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson described the upcoming season as a "marquee summer." He noted that the quality of opponents would provide a constant test for the team, which is exactly what cricketers want. He also expressed his excitement for another three-Test series at home and hopes for strong support from the fans.