New Zealand is preparing to make a bold entry into the rapidly expanding world of global T20 franchise cricket with the planned launch of a new league titled NZ20.
According to the proposed plan, the six-team franchise-based tournament is targeted to begin in January 2027.
The league is expected to operate on a model similar to the Caribbean Premier League, where New Zealand Cricket will grant the license while the league’s administration will function independently.
Although formal approval from New Zealand Cricket has not yet been granted, officials involved in the project believe that once licensed, NZ20 will replace the Super Smash, New Zealand’s long-running domestic T20 competition that has been in existence for nearly two decades.
Currently, the Super Smash is managed by New Zealand Cricket through its major associations including Auckland, Northern Districts, Wellington, Central Districts, Canterbury and Otago.
The concept of NZ20 was initiated by a group of former New Zealand cricketers, including legendary former captain Stephen Fleming. Following this, discussions were held with the New Zealand Players Association to assess player interest in a franchise-based league.
The project is being overseen by Don MacKinnon, head of the NZ20 Establishment Committee. A legal expert by profession, MacKinnon has previously served on the New Zealand Cricket board and currently leads the country’s Sports Integrity Commission. He was approached around three months ago to evaluate the feasibility of the idea.
Describing NZ20 as a “highly viable project,” MacKinnon said the timing is ideal to bring such a league to life, pointing to the booming popularity and commercial success of T20 franchise cricket around the world
