New Zealand’s domestic season will begin with Ford Trophy

The men’s 50-over Ford Trophy competition will open the New Zealand domestic season for the first time in six years, replacing the Plunket Shield. The Ford Trophy season is scheduled to get off with three rounds of matches on October 20. NZC released the domestic schedule for 2024–25 on Friday. One of the three games on the first day will pit Wellington against the defending champions, Canterbury.

After that, on November 11, the Plunket Shield will resume, with two rounds arranged before New Zealand’s home series against England. On November 28, the third set of Plunket Shield games and the first Test will start.

Similarly, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, a domestic one-day tournament for women, is scheduled to start on November 16 and will be organised in conjunction with Australia’s three ODI visit.

The first ODI between Australia and New Zealand is scheduled for December 19, following the completion of six rounds of the Johnstone Shield games.

This season, 14 locations will host domestic matches for the three competitions.

NZC head of cricket operations Richard Brewer said, “We consulted with the players, coaches and turf managers around white-ball cricket starting the men’s season instead of the Plunket Shield.” The two championships will have somewhat different pitch conditions as a result of the shift, which will present fresh difficulties for bowlers and hitters alike. An added plus is that the red-ball competition now coincides with the England Test tour.

“Similarly, it’s great to have the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield leading into the White Ferns series against Australia before Christmas, which will allow many of our best female players quality one-day preparation, and a chance to push their cases for selection.”

Men compete in the Ford Trophy for five rounds, then compete in the Plunket Shield for four rounds till December 10. The Ford Trophy then continues on February 6 and runs through to the final in Dunedin on March 2. After that, on March 5, the Plunket Shield once more takes over. The Plunket Shield final round, which takes place from March 29 to April 1, will mark the end of the domestic season.

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The women’s Johnstone Shield concludes on December 15 after six rounds and resumes on February 8. Once more, the final will take place in Dunedin on March 1. Dates for the T20 competition, Super Smash, for both men and women, have not yet been confirmed by the NZC.