New Zealand: In a significant announcement, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Tuesday that Gary Stead will continue as the head coach of the New Zealand national cricket team until mid-2025. Stead’s extension comes with the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC World Test Championship as key focal points, according to the statement released by NZC.
Originally appointed for a two-year term in late 2018, Stead’s contract was renewed in 2020 until the conclusion of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India. Now, he will stay on board until the completion of the current World Test Championship cycle in June 2025.
The decision to retain Stead follows an extensive and thorough consultation process, during which the coach received unanimous support for continuing in his role. Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most successful men’s coaches, Stead’s impressive track record played a significant role in securing the extension.
Bryan Stronach, NZC’s GM High Performance, expressed confidence in the decision to retain Stead, highlighting the overwhelming positive support received from players, the Blackcaps support staff, Major Association coaches and support staff, as well as the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and NZC High-Performance Unit Staff.
Stronach stated, “Gary’s results have been very impressive, and we are confident that he still has a lot to offer the team. Of course, a big part of this decision came down to whether Gary wanted to continue, and he made it clear his appetite to take this team forward was as keen as ever.”
While a formal split-coaching model was considered for the role, NZC ultimately rejected the idea. However, they remain open to co-opting additional coaching staff if desired. NZC will continue to introduce fresh voices and new ideas through the “fourth coach” concept, wherein Blackcaps touring squads are supported by coaches with specialist skill sets or knowledge of specific overseas environments or formats. This approach has seen the involvement of notable figures such as Stephen Fleming, Shane Bond, Saqlain Mushtaq, Luke Wright, and Thilan Samaraweera.
Stead’s reappointment period will include key tournaments such as the ICC T20 World Cup in June/July 2024, the ICC ODI Champions Trophy in February/March 2025, and, if applicable, the ICC World Test Championship Final in June 2025.
NZC’s chief executive, David White, expressed satisfaction with the detailed and robust process that underpinned Stead’s reappointment. White stated, “Several months of discussions and consultation preceded this decision, and as CEO, I am very satisfied that all options were well considered.”
Test captain Tim Southee conveyed the players’ contentment with Stead’s reappointment, emphasising his success in leading the team to finals across all three formats and, notably, securing the historic World Test Championship victory. Southee highlighted the importance of effective people management in the modern-day head coach role, given the challenging environment of extended periods away from family and the demanding cricket schedule.
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