New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled an exhilarating 2025-26 home international schedule, packed with high-stakes matches for the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS. With 46 days of international cricket across nine venues, fans can expect top-tier action as both teams face formidable opponents, with ICC T20 World Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup selections on the line.
BLACKCAPS: A Powerhouse Lineup
The BLACKCAPS will host cricketing giants Australia, England, the West Indies, and South Africa in a thrilling multi-format season. The schedule kicks off before Christmas, setting the stage for their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka from January to March 2026.
Key BLACKCAPS Fixtures
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Australia (October 2025): Three T20Is at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, starting October 1.
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England (October-November 2025): Three T20Is (Hagley Oval and Eden Park) and three ODIs (Bay Oval, Seddon Park, Sky Stadium).
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West Indies (November-December 2025): Five T20Is (Eden Park, Saxton Oval, University of Otago Oval), three ODIs (Hagley Oval, McLean Park, Seddon Park), and a three-Test series (Hagley Oval, Cello Basin Reserve, Bay Oval) for the ICC World Test Championship.
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South Africa (March 2026): Five T20I doubleheaders alongside the WHITE FERNS.
BLACKCAPS pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson expressed excitement about the season: “It’s a marquee summer. The calibre of opposition means we’ll be constantly tested, and that’s what you want as a cricketer.”
WHITE FERNS: A Historic Season
The WHITE FERNS are gearing up for a massive 14-game home summer, including their first-ever series against Zimbabwe and a five-match T20I series against South Africa, played as doubleheaders with the BLACKCAPS. This follows their ICC Cricket World Cup campaign from late September to early November 2025.
Key WHITE FERNS Fixtures
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Zimbabwe (February-March 2026): Three T20Is and three ODIs at Seddon Park and University of Otago Oval.
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South Africa (March-April 2026): Five T20I doubleheaders (Bay Oval, Seddon Park, Eden Park, Sky Stadium, Hagley Oval) and three ODIs (Hagley Oval, Cello Basin Reserve).
Rising star Georgia Plimmer said, “We can’t wait to play in front of our home fans. The T20I doubleheaders are a great experience, and it’s awesome to see such strong crowds.”
Venues and Broadcast
Matches will be played at iconic venues: Eden Park (Auckland), Seddon Park (Hamilton), Bay Oval (Tauranga), McLean Park (Napier), Sky Stadium (Wellington), Cello Basin Reserve (Wellington), Saxton Oval (Nelson), Hagley Oval (Christchurch), and University of Otago Oval (Dunedin).
TVNZ+, TVNZ 1, TVNZ DUKE, and Sport Nation will broadcast the season free-to-air, with the Alternative Commentary Collective covering BLACKCAPS matches digitally.
NZC’s Vision
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink highlighted the season’s significance: “It’s great to welcome such a diverse range of opponents. The doubleheaders against South Africa offer a unique experience, showcasing the best female and male cricketers. We’re thrilled to build this exciting home summer around two global tournaments.”
Why This Season Matters
With ICC World Cup selections at stake and a diverse lineup of opponents, the 2025-26 season is a defining moment for New Zealand cricket. Whether you’re cheering for the BLACKCAPS’ Test battles or the WHITE FERNS’ historic series, this summer promises unforgettable moments.
