A packed summer of international cricket is heading to New Zealand, with the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS set to host top-tier opposition in a schedule dictated by two ICC white-ball events.
The BLACKCAPS will welcome Australia, England, the West Indies and South Africa in a busy run-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in early 2026. The team will play 16 T20 internationals, six ODIs, and three test matches.
Eden Park, with a capacity of 50,000 and a storied cricketing past, has again been left largely on the sidelines having been handed just 160 overs of summer action spread across four T20 games, with the Blackcaps meeting England on a Thursday night in Mid-spring, followed by two games against the West Indies in early November.
The iconic park’s season is completed with a late-March affair against South Africa as part of a double header with the White Ferns.
Pace bowler Kyle Jamieson welcomed the announcement by NZC, calling it a “marquee summer.”
“The calibre of opposition means we’ll be constantly tested—and that’s exactly what you want,” said Jamieson. “It’s always special playing at home and we’re hoping Kiwis will get out in force to support us once again.”
Meanwhile, the White Ferns are gearing up for their busiest home schedule yet, with 14 matches spanning ODIs and T20Is. Highlights include a historic first-ever series against Zimbabwe and five T20Is against South Africa.
Young batting star Georgia Plimmer said the team was thrilled to have such a full calendar following their World Cup campaign earlier in the season.
“We want to play as much cricket as we can, especially in front of our home fans,” said Plimmer. “It’s great to see more doubleheaders—they create such an exciting atmosphere.”
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink said the organisation was proud to deliver a balanced, high-profile home season.
“It’s great to welcome such a diverse range of opponents,” he said. “We’ve seen fantastic crowds over the past few seasons, and we’re looking forward to even more Kiwis turning out to support both teams this summer.”
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