In a significant shift from tradition, New Zealand’s domestic cricket season will commence with the Ford Trophy, the men’s 50-over competition, rather than the Plunket Shield, the first-class tournament. This change marks the first time in six years that the Ford Trophy has taken center stage at the start of the season.
The 2024-25 domestic season is scheduled to begin on October 20, featuring three rounds of Ford Trophy matches. Defending champions Canterbury will open their campaign against Wellington on the inaugural day of the tournament.
Following the conclusion of the Ford Trophy matches, the Plunket Shield will resume on November 11, with two rounds slated before New Zealand’s home Test series against England. The first Test is set to begin on November 28, coinciding with the third round of Plunket Shield games.
The women’s domestic competition, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, will kick off on November 16, allowing for quality one-day preparation ahead of Australia’s visit, which includes three ODIs. Six rounds of Johnstone Shield matches will take place before New Zealand faces Australia in the first ODI on December 19.
NZC Head of Cricket Operations said
Richard Brewer, NZC’s head of cricket operations, emphasized the rationale behind starting with the Ford Trophy, stating, “We consulted with players, coaches, and turf managers, and the change will bring new challenges for batters and bowlers alike.” The alignment of the red-ball competition with the England Test series is seen as an added benefit for the national team’s preparations.
The domestic calendar will feature 14 venues hosting matches across the three competitions. The Ford Trophy will run with five rounds until December 10, then take a break before resuming on February 6, culminating in the final on March 2 in Dunedin. The Plunket Shield will follow suit, with its final round scheduled from March 29 to April 1.
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield will take a break after December 15, restarting on February 8, with its final also set for March 1 in Dunedin. However, the dates for the men and women’s Super Smash, the T20 competition, are yet to be confirmed.
As the new season approaches, both players and fans look forward to an exciting calendar filled with competitive cricket across formats.
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