Sophie Devine leans towards NZ20 while Lockie Ferguson calls a home franchise league “exciting” amid NZC’s plans for transformation

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New Zealand cricket is on the verge of a significant transformation as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) explores launching its own franchise T20 league, NZ20, or aligning with Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). With the global rise of domestic T20 competitions, NZC is looking to create more opportunities for its players while strengthening the domestic structure.

White Ferns captain Sophie Devine has expressed clear support for the NZ20 concept, განსაკუთრებით from the perspective of growing the women’s game in New Zealand. Having played extensively in global leagues, including the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Devine emphasized the importance of consistent, competitive domestic cricket. She noted that while both options—joining the BBL or launching NZ20—have their merits, her preference leans toward building a strong, independent New Zealand-based competition.

Currently, the Super Smash remains New Zealand’s only domestic T20 tournament, but it lacks the scale and global pull of leagues like the IPL, BBL, or PSL. This gap often sees top New Zealand players participating in overseas leagues, sometimes at the cost of international commitments. NZC has managed this balance by allowing players to maximize earnings and exposure, even if it means missing certain bilateral series.

Devine highlighted that the priority should be ensuring enough high-quality matches for women cricketers. She stressed that any decision must protect and grow the women’s domestic calendar, warning that a reduction in games could hinder long-term development. For her, the focus remains on sustaining competitive cricket that can continue to build the strength of the White Ferns and attract more players to the sport.

Support for NZ20 is not limited to the women’s side. Men’s Test captain Tom Latham had earlier endorsed the idea, and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson also welcomed the potential introduction of a homegrown franchise league. Ferguson pointed out that New Zealand lacks a privately run T20 league, unlike other major cricketing nations, and believes NZ20 could provide a valuable platform for local talent while attracting international stars.

However, the proposed shift has not been without challenges. Internal disagreements within NZC have already surfaced, leading to the resignation of former CEO Scott Weenink in late 2025. Reports suggest NZC has commissioned an independent review to evaluate the feasibility of both launching NZ20 and integrating into the BBL ecosystem.

The NZ20 project, still in its early stages, aims to launch a men’s tournament by January 2027, followed by a women’s competition later that year. While the concept has garnered player support, it is yet to receive full approval from NZC and is still seeking private investment.

As discussions continue, the core focus remains clear—creating a sustainable, competitive domestic structure that benefits both men’s and women’s cricket in New Zealand. Whether through NZ20 or collaboration with existing leagues, the decisions made now could reshape the future of New Zealand cricket.