International cricket back in town this summer

The Blackcaps and White Ferns will return to 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 .

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.

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 says 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.”

International cricket successfully returned to Nelson for the first time in five years last summer, and Nelson City Council Chief Executive Nigel Philpott says 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,” says 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."

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.

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.

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; andbroadcast live on SENZ radio — but there's nothing like being there.

At SAXTON OVAL, STOKE, NELSON

Thursday, 2 Jan 2025 • BLACKCAPS v Sri Lanka T20 International, 1.15PM

Friday, 7 Mar 2025 • WHITE FERNS v Sri Lanka One-Day International, 11AM

Sunday, 9 Mar 2025 • WHITE FERNS v Sri Lanka One-Day International, 11A