NZ Cricket Kicks Off 2026-27 Season Oct 28

New Zealand's 2026-27 domestic cricket season is set to commence on October 28. The Ford Trophy will open the calendar with Central Districts facing Northern Districts at Saxton Oval in Nelson. This marks the third consecutive year the Ford Trophy has initiated the domestic season.

Across the men's and women's competitions, fourteen venues have been confirmed for the summer. Notable is the return of Colin Maiden Park in Auckland after ground redevelopment. The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield for women will follow on November 14.

The men's Ford Trophy spans ten rounds, with the first five in October and November. It will then pause for the Plunket Shield and Super Smash before resuming in February. The finals will be held at the Cello Basin Reserve, ensuring continuous top-class cricket during the peak summer months.