The first diary dates of the new season are here with Central Districts hosting the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS for five International fixtures in 2023/24!

An exciting menu of entertainment begins this December when the BLACKCAPS will play One-Day Internationals against Bangladesh in both Nelson and Napier, in the build-up to Christmas.

The return of international cricket to Nelson for the first time in five years will be an occasion not to be missed. The BLACKCAPS and Bangladesh will take the field at Saxton Oval, Stoke at 11am on Wednesday, 20 December - and that's followed by a rematch at McLean Park, Napier on Saturday, 23 December.

Both matches are potential deciders, as the second and third fixtures of the three-game 50-over Series.

The two teams then get ready for Christmas holiday season fun with a T20 International under lights at McLean Park from 7.10pm on 27 December — what a way to kick on after Christmas and Boxing Day with friends and family, with the BLACKCAPS’ first home T20 International of the summer.

• Looking Ahead to March 2024 - WHITE FERNS v ENGLAND!

Fast forward to March next year and our New Zealand WHITE FERNS will touch down in Nelson as well, playing twin T20 Internationals against their great rivals, England, on Friday, 22 March and Sunday, 24 March 2024 - both afternoon games that start at 1pm.

It’s an exciting return to the women’s international cricket calendar for Saxton Oval with Sophie Devine’s WHITE FERNS having last played at the stunning Stoke venue in 2016.

It will be a first for the England women who were semi-finalists at last year’s ICC T20 World Cup and will no doubt arrive chocka with big name stars from the recent women’s Ashes series, as they meet New Zealand in the second and third clashes of the big five-match T20 International series.

Central Districts CEO, LANCE HAMILTON said it was exciting to be bringing more International cricket to Central Districts venues this summer — including the return of international cricket to Nelson.

"It was awesome working closely with Nelson City Council, Nelson Regional Development Agency, and Nelson Cricket Association to ensure we collectively put our best foot forward when trying to secure these fixtures," he said.

"The Dream11 Super Smash day was a great success last season at Saxton Oval, and I have no doubt we can collectively ensure a similar outcome for the international fixtures, and our BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS returning to Nelson, this coming season."

 

 

Another key feature of NZC's home international season is the scheduling of no fewer than 10 'doubleheaders' across the country, as NZC attempts to address both the needs of different audiences, and, to enhance the efficiency of its playing programme in an era of climate change awareness.

NZC chief executive DAVID WHITE said playing consecutive games at the same venue allowed organisers to cater for different tastes in terms of patronage, as well as reducing the amount of air travel and transport for teams, officials, broadcasters, and fans.

“In terms of venues with lights, we’ve been able to schedule several back-to-back day matches and night matches to ensure good opportunities for both families and adult patrons, respectively, which we think is good for the game.

“It’s a strategy that also complements our need to prioritise energy efficiency – and, to just do the right thing as a sports organisation, given the challenges we’re facing from climate change these days.”

White said there was already a great sense of anticipation over the upcoming home summer programme, particularly with all games also being screened live and free-to-air with new broadcast partner TVNZ 1, and the enormous exposure for cricket as a result.

• New Membership options this summer

Tickets for the international home season go on sale 1 November 2023, with presales at special discounts available to Cricket Nation members in October.

If you haven’t joined our free Cricket Nation membership programme yet, sign on today to enjoy all the exclusive offers, earlybird deals as well as getting the key news and core info delivered straight to your in-box.

Join Cricket Nation here

We will also be sharing details of CD Memberships in the coming months to help you save even more - and score exclusive benefits! Stay tuned for more info as we get closer to the nationwide international home summer ticket launch this October.

 

 

 

Games coming to Saxton Oval, Stoke, Nelson

 

11AM • 20 Dec 2023 • BLACKCAPS v Bangladesh • ODI

1PM • 22 Mar 2024 • WHITE FERNS v England • T20i

1PM • 24 Mar 2024 • WHITE FERNS v England • T20i

 

Games coming to McLean Park, Napier, Hawke’s Bay

 

11AM • 23 Dec 2023 • BLACKCAPS v Bangladesh • ODI

7.10PM • 27 Dec 2023 • BLACKCAPS v Bangladesh • T20i under lights

 

- Presales for Cricket Nation members late October 2023

- Tickets on sale to general public 1 November 2023

- Central Stags and Hinds fixtures announcement - coming soon!

Article added: Saturday 15 July 2023