On the world map, New Zealand looks like two half-eaten mutton chops drifting along the Pacific Ocean. The remote country of 5.3 million people, whose cricketing structure has an annual turnover of about $22 million, accounts for about a fifth of Roger Federer’s estimated net worth, consistently performs well in ICC events. Sunday will be the second time in five years that they reach the top of the tournament with a talent pool that is only a fraction of India’s. What makes them so ultra-competitive despite limited resources?
“We have six teams: Wellington, Auckland, Canterbury, Otago, Central and Northern. We only have about 66 players to choose from at any given time. The key is to be smart and make the most of our very limited talent,” New Zealand Players Association chief executive Heath Mills told TOI.
Twenty years ago, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) made a decision that would have far-reaching consequences for its cricket ecosystem. “The administrators realized that the best way forward would be to have our players play in high-profile T20 leagues such as the IPL, T20 Blast and Big Bash League,” Mills said. “These leagues effectively pay for the development of our players. So it’s a win-win situation for us.”
Former players such as Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Mike Hesson and Shane Bond have become some of the most popular coaches on the global T20 circuit. The move paid off in this T20 World Cup as New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert helped them reach the final with a 117-run knock against South Africa in the semi-finals at Eden Gardens. Allen and Seifert are seasoned performers in the Big Bash League. Allen plays for the Perth Scorchers, while Seifert plays for the Melbourne Renegades.
Despite its success on the cricket field, New Zealand cricket was plunged into major turmoil this past winter, with disagreements arising between former New Zealand Cricket chief Scott Weenink and six member associations over a proposed T20 league to replace the country’s domestic Super Smash league. The new league, tentatively named NZ20, aims to attract foreign investment through IPL franchises and focus on top overseas players. Weinink hopes the New Zealand team can enter the Big Bash League.
Weinink resigned on January 30, hastening the outcome of NZ20. “Hopefully we’ll see this league grow next summer,” Mills said. Currently, New Zealand is the only full ICC member country without a franchised T20 league. “NZ20 will help raise our profile and give some of our domestic players more exposure,” Mills said.
For New Zealand cricket, the hope is that NZ20 will add a new economic touchpoint without disrupting a well-functioning system. The Black Caps’ steady rise in the T20 rankings shows that smart planning and a strong culture are more important than size.
