Central Districts Cricket is proud to announce DEEPAK JOON as the new Head Coach of our Central Hinds.

A former Wellington first-class representative and until now, a CDCA Pathway and Performance Coach, Joon brings plenty of experience and working knowledge to his new role.

He served as Hinds Assistant Coach last summer, when the team reached the national 2024 Dream11 Super Smash Grand Final.

Joon was on deck for the Hinds' exciting 2023/24 campaigns | CDCA

The 41-year-old now takes over the Head Coach role from JACOB ORAM, following Oram’s appointment last month as the BLACKCAPS’ new bowling coach.

Joon says he is looking forward to taking the reins as the Hinds look to back up their strong 2023/24 season.

“First of all, I want to thank CD for showing trust in me to take up the role of Head Coach of the Central Hinds,” he said, “and I’m excited for the opportunity.

“I’m incredibly proud of the depth of talent and skills we have in our Hinds squad. I feel that we have the right mix of experience and exuberance of youth, and we’re all excited about the upcoming season.”

The Hinds assemble in camp at Mitre10 Park in Hastings this weekend as a number of players file back from overseas playing stints with clubs in Ireland, England and The Netherlands.

Georgia Atkinson is one of six Hinds returning from overseas | PHOTOSPORT

“Six of our contracted players have spent the winter playing abroad, and they’ll be coming back refreshed and ready to go again after taking a short break to travel and relax in Europe,” said Joon.

"Rosemary Mair and Hannah Rowe are obviously still away with the WHITE FERNS at the T20 World Cup and we look forward to their return in due course, and I know the remaining players have put in purposeful preparation over the winter.

“It’s a group that genuinely can’t wait to be back together again.

"Preseason games are fast approaching now, and then we'll start our Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign in mid-November in Wellington.

“We’re all looking forward to continuing on our journey, and we appreciate the support of our fans, supporters and sponsors and seeing them around again during the season.”

Central Districts CEO Lance Hamilton said Joon is a natural fit for the Hinds Head Coach role with his combination of skills, experience, and passion for the team.

“Deepak brings a really strong knowledge of the team environment, and the skill sets of our players, so he’s hitting the ground running as we head into the new season.

“Just as importantly, we know Deepak is really liked and respected by the players.

"I know the whole of the team and support staff are just champing at the bit to get back out there to show what they can do in 2024/25, after the gains last season.”

The Central Hinds begin their season with the Viv Stephens Memorial Trophy match at the Cello Basin Reserve against Wellington Blaze on 16 November, part one of their one-day opening weekend away.

Their first home weekend is in Palmerston North on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, against the Auckland Hearts.

Those four rounds are all part of the free admission national one-day Hallyburton Johnstone Shield competition.

The Hinds will get in two more rounds of one-day cricket at Pukekura Park, against the Canterbury Magicians, before switching into Dream11 Super Smash mode in late December.

They will play the first of their summer holiday season T20s with the Central Stags away in Alexandra, Central Otago, before hitting Nelson (4 and 6 January), Palmerston North (12 January) and Napier (17 and 29 January) for their home doubleheaders.

Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

16 Nov 2024

Hallyburton Johnstone Shield v Wellington Blaze

(Viv Stephens Memorial Trophy match)

17 Nov 2024

Hallyburton Johnstone Shield v Wellington Blaze 

Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North

30 Nov, 1 Dec 2024

Hallyburton Johnstone Shield v Auckland Hearts 

Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

14, 15 Dec 2024

Hallyburton Johnstone Shield v Canterbury Magicians

Molyneux Park, Alexandra

31 Dec 2024 - Dream11 Super Smash v Otago Sparks

Saxton Oval, Nelson

4 Jan 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Wellington Blaze (2024 Grand Final rematch)

6 Jan 025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Northern Brave

Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

9 Jan 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Wellington Blaze (2024 Grand Final rematch)

Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North

12 Jan 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Otago Sparks

Venue TBC (Auckland Hearts home round)

15 Jan 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Auckland Hearts

McLean Park, Napier

17 Jan 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Canterbury Magicians

Seddon Park, Hamilton

21 Jan 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Northern Brave

Hagley Oval, Christchurch

26 Jan 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Canterbury Magicians

McLean Park, Napier

29 Jan 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash v Auckland Hearts

Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

1 & 2 Feb 2025 - Dream11 Super Smash Finals, if qualified

Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

8, 9 Feb 2025 - Hallyburton Johnstone Shield v Northern Districts 

University of Otago Oval, Dunedin

1 March 2025 - Hallyburton Johnstone Shield National Final, if qualified

Article added: Friday 11 October 2024