The BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS will return to both Napier and Nelson this summer after New Zealand Cricket today confirmed the International fixtures for the 2024/25 home season.

Five matches are heading to Central Districts territory, beginning in the New Year holiday season when the BLACKCAPS meet Sri Lanka for a T20 International at Nelson’s beautiful Saxton Oval on 2 January 2025.

Last summer saw men's and women's international cricket make a successful return to Nelson for the first time in years — and the top of the south will welcome back the WHITE FERNS for two One-Day Internationals as well against Sri Lanka on Friday, 7 March and Sunday, 9 March 2025.

Saxton Oval  | PHOTOSPORT

All three of those matches are potential series deciders and Central Districts will be providing the stage for the entire WHITE FERNS v Sri Lanka ODI series, with the opening game a day/nighter inked in for McLean Park on Tuesday, 4 March.

The BLACKCAPS will be paying a visit to McLean Park as well, to meet Pakistan on 29 March 2025 for a One-Day International; a Saturday match with an 11am start.

Central Districts CEO Lance Hamilton said he was delighted for sports fans in the CD region to have the chance to support their national teams up close and see visiting stars at both of the region’s international venues again this summer.

The scheduling of holiday season cricket in Nelson will also support and promote the local tourism industry in an iconic South Island holiday spot.“

We’ve worked closely with key stakeholders to secure these fixtures for the public, including Napier City Council, Nelson City Council, Nelson Regional Development Agency, and Nelson Cricket Association.

“The outcome is an exciting line-up of international sports entertainment coming to regional New Zealand, during what’s traditionally been a great time of year for playing and watching the game of cricket.”

Grandstand views at McLean Park | PHOTOSPORT

International cricket successfully returned to Nelson for the first time in five years last summer, and Nelson City Council Chief Executive Nigel Philpott said he is thrilled for Nelson be to welcoming international cricket back to Saxton Oval again for 2024/25.

“This is not just a fantastic opportunity for cricket fans to see top-tier matches right here in Nelson, but it also brings significant social and economic benefits to our region,” said Mr Philpott.

“The influx of visitors will boost local businesses, from hospitality to retail, and the national and international coverage showcases Nelson’s beauty and vibrant community. 

Saxton Oval | PHOTOSPORT

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Nelson and Central Districts Cricket Associations whose efforts have been instrumental in securing these fixtures.

“Their commitment to promoting and developing cricket in our region ensures that we can host such prestigious events, and we’re looking forward to seeing the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS in action against Sri Lanka’s stars and celebrating the spirit of cricket with our community.”

Napier City Council Event Manager Kevin Murphy said Hawke’s Bay would likewise look forward to hosting Sri Lanka Women, Pakistan Men, the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS at McLean Park in March, with both weekend and evening options for local sports fans and a chance to showcase the best of bountiful Hawke’s Bay.

“We’re excited to be hosting both men’s and women’s international cricket for the summer.

McLean Park | PHOTOSPORT

“There’s no doubt it’s fantastic for the whole region, and we hope to see some great crowds attending again this season,” Mr Murphy said.

In all, NZC’s international home summer of cricket comprises 41 days of cricket action across eight cities, and will include five T20 International doubleheaders.It will begin in November when the Brendon McCullum-coached England side touches down for a much anticipated, three-match Test Series against the BLACKCAPS.

The BLACKCAPS then host Sri Lanka for a trio of T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals across the December/January holiday season, before heading to Pakistan for February’s ODI Tri-Series with Pakistan and South Africa, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in the same country.

Pakistan will follow the BLACKCAPS back on the plane to New Zealand to play a total of five T20 Internationals plus three One-Day Internationals across March and early April.

PHOTOSPORT

For the WHITE FERNS, the menu begins with three big Rose Bowl One-Day Internationals against reigning world champion Australia in December, and a total of three ODIs and three T20 Internationals against well performed Sri Lanka Women in March.

NZC’s General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Stacey Geraghty said if the trend from last summer continues, fans might need to change their last-minute purchasing routine and buy tickets early. 

“We saw some significant changes in the way people consumed international cricket last year,” said Ms Geraghty.“

Not only were the Tests and the bigger white-ball fixtures selling out, but we were receiving more engagement from younger fans, those in the 16-34 age bracket.

“There was a buzz we hadn’t felt for a while and we’re feeling it again as we approach the 2024/25 summer.“

The extra exposure we’re receiving from having cricket broadcast live and free-to-air is making a genuine difference on the ground.”

Tickets will be available from September when presale offers will begin for Central Districts Cricket Nation members. If you're not already a Cricket Nation member, you can join for free today at www.cdcricket.co.nz

All of the big summer’s home international games will be streamed live and free-to-air on TVNZ+ as well as screened live on either TVNZ 1 or TVNZ DUKE; and broadcast live on SENZ radio — but there's nothing like being there.

Said Mr Hamilton, “It’s the players who provide the action, but the crowd who bring the atmosphere that makes these occasions so memorable.“

It was awesome to see international cricket so strongly supported last summer, and I’d encourage everyone to secure their tickets early to be part of it again this season.”

• 2024/25 CD SEASON MEMBERSHIPS •

Central Districts Cricket will announce Central Stags and Central Hinds Domestic schedules in August, and be offering 2024/25 Memberships.

Stay tuned to learn more about the best deals as we get closer to the new season's Domestic and International nationwide ticket launch! 

     International matches

SAXTON OVAL, STOKE, NELSON

1.15PM 2 Jan 2025 • BLACKCAPS v Sri Lanka • T20i

11AM 7 Mar 2025 • WHITE FERNS v Sri Lanka • ODI

11AM 9 Mar 2025 • WHITE FERNS v Sri Lanka • ODI 

   International matches

McLEAN PARK, NAPIER, HAWKE'S BAY

2PM 4 Mar 2025 • WHITE FERNS v Sri Lanka • ODI day/night

11AM 29 Mar 2025 • BLACKCAPS v Pakistan • ODI

Central Stags and Central Hinds

2024/25 fixtures announced this August - stay tuned!

#CDTOGETHER

ENQUIRE HERE

Article added: Wednesday 17 July 2024