Overview
- Plans outline a six-team tournament targeted for January 2027 that would replace the Super Smash if licensed by New Zealand Cricket.
- NZ20 would be privately funded and independently administered under an NZC license, mirroring the Caribbean Premier League model.
- Don MacKinnon, chair of the NZ20 Establishment Committee, is leading the proposal developed by former players including Stephen Fleming.
- NZC has discussed the idea over the past two to three months and is also considering alternatives such as pursuing a Big Bash team.
- Scheduling remains a key hurdle given clashes with IPL, BBL, SA20 and ILT20, though current New Zealand players have signaled strong interest and a player-ownership stake is being explored.