Vaibhav Tripathi
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have reappointed Gary Stead as head coach, and he will remain in his role until mid-2025. Initially, Stead’s contract was set to end after the ICC Men’s World Cup in November 2023.
However, the extension means that the 51-year-old will now coach the New Zealand set-up in all three formats, including significant events like the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the entire 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle.
“We started talking to Gary around firstly whether he wanted to continue in the role and keep going,” NZC’s GM High Performance Bryan Stronach said. “And then went through a feedback process from management and players and support staff – how supportive they are around that and gathering all that feedback came back undeniably that people were really supportive of Gary continuing and then we followed through on that process,” he added.
Stronach also observed that a split-coaching method was considered before deciding to go ahead with Stead. “A split-coaching role was discussed in depth but, with most of our leading Blackcaps playing across all three formats, and the culture of the group so strong and positive, we saw clear benefits in supporting the status quo. Of all the different potential scenarios, we considered this the best option available to us.”
Initially named as head coach in 2018, Stead’s contract was renewed two years later. On his part, the former New Zealand batter said, “I had talks with Bryan [Stronach] and [departing CEO] David [White] and New Zealand Cricket for a while now, just making sure they were clear on me being the right person and the feedback is nice to get back that there was support for me.
“I’m very humbled and privileged to do the role I do and for me it’s a real privilege to want to be involved with a great set of human beings representing New Zealand.”