Blackcaps Gear Up for Blockbuster Home Summer Against Cricket Heavyweights

Wednesday - 25/06/2025 11:21

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 matches during the 2025-26 season. The Blackcaps will welcome Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies for contests across multiple formats, while the White Ferns will play host to South Africa and Zimbabwe in a series of white-ball matches.

The Black Caps have a busy schedule ahead of them.

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

Blackcaps' Home Series

The summer action begins with a three-match T20I series against Australia, starting on October 1. Following this, England will tour New Zealand for a white-ball series that includes three T20Is (starting October 18) and three ODIs (starting October 26).

The West Indies will then arrive for an extensive tour that includes all three formats. The series begins with five T20Is on November 5, followed by three ODIs starting November 16, and three Tests, with the first Test commencing on December 6.

White Ferns' Home Series

After participating in the ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, the White Ferns will begin their home season with 14 white-ball games, commencing early the following year.

Zimbabwe will tour New Zealand for the first time for a three-match T20I series starting February 25. This will be followed by a three-match ODI series, which is 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 between March 15 and 25. The White Ferns will also play three ODIs against South Africa between March 29 and April 4.

Official Statements

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink expressed his excitement about the schedule. He stated, "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. Fans will see top-tier cricket across all our major centres, with the doubleheaders against South Africa offering a chance to watch the very best female and male cricketers in the world on display in a unique day-out experience."

He further added, "We're thrilled to build this exciting home summer around the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and on the back of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, giving our players a chance to shine on the global stage as well as at home in front of their own fans. We've seen fantastic crowds across the country over the past few seasons and are looking forward to that continuing this summer given the strength of the schedule."

Pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson echoed the sentiment, saying, "It feels like a marquee summer. The calibre of opposition means we'll be constantly tested for the duration of the season and that's what you want as a cricketer. It's great to have another three-Test series at home and I'm sure the fans will get in behind the Test team as they have in seasons gone by. It's always special to play in front of a home crowd and we're hoping Kiwis will get out in force to support us once again this summer."