This summer the stars will shine, and so will the sun, as international cricket returns to McLean Park!

NZC today revealed an exciting home international calendar of stellar action for the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS - with both our national teams to play international white-ball cricket in Napier later this year.

Tickets are already live for the BLACKCAPS T20i against India under lights at McLean Park on the evening of Tuesday 22 November and the WHITE FERNS' ODI against Bangladesh, a day/night match starting at 2pm on Wednesday 14 December 2022.

Alternatively, stay tuned for the launch of our new season LOUNGE HOSPITALITY PACKAGES for the deluxe viewing and dining experience for yourself, guests or clients in the lead-up to Christmas 2022!

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The WHITE FERNS' match against Bangladesh Women is part of a history-making Series for the teams as Bangladesh visit for a full bilateral ODI Series for the first time, having played just one match previously.

The BLACKCAPS v INDIA meanwhile is a classic all-star showcase that will see big crowds across the country with huge attention worldwide - get your tickets early for this one!

Other features of the national home summer announced today include a day-night pink ball Test against England, with six in-bound touring teams in all with the visits from the Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, England and Sri Lanka men’s teams, and Bangladesh women.

Napier's own WHITE FERN Rosemary Mair

PHOTOSPORT

The WHITE FERNS and BLACKCAPS also head offshore for their respective ICC T20 World Cups this season in a massive summer of cricket.

The WHITE FERNS, after having attended the Commonwealth Games and returned from their tour of the West Indies, will host Bangladesh in a T20 and ODI series before departing in January for South Africa where they will contest the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Playing at home for the first time under new coach Ben Sawyer, the team will play three T20is - at Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, before heading to the North Island for three ODIs, at Wellington, Napier and Hamilton with a potential Series decider at McLean Park.

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The 2022/23 international home season starts in early October when the BLACKCAPS put finishing touches on their prep for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia with a Christchurch-based tri-series with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

India will arrive in New Zealand at the conclusion of the World Cup to play the BLACKCAPS in three T20s at Wellington, Tauranga and Napier, and three ODIs at Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch.

Tom Latham and BLAIR TICKNER can't wait | PHOTOSPORT

Both series are likely to be hard-fought. India is currently the No.1 T20 side in the world while the BLACKCAPS are the No.1 ODI side.

The BLACKCAPS will then depart for the subcontinent for a tour of Pakistan plus a white-ball series in India, before returning in early February to prepare for the two Tests against England – at Tauranga (under lights) and Wellington.

Sri Lanka’s arrival in New Zealand at the end of February will see the five-day format continue, with Tests scheduled for Christchurch and Wellington ahead of a three-match T20i, and three-match ODI, Series.

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NZC chief executive David White said the upcoming season held great promise for both the WHITE FERNS and the BLACKCAPS.

“Last summer’s ICC Women’s World Cup did so much to promote the game, and it will be great to see the WHITE FERNS in action right around the country.

“And, to have India, England and Sri Lanka touring here, on top of visits from Pakistan and Bangladesh, means cricket fans can look forward to a summer of top-quality cricket.”

Mr White confirmed ticket prices at all BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS games would remain the same as last year’s discounted levels.

They would go on sale to the general public this morning.

“We recognise the challenges of the current environment – and our priority is to make international cricket as accessible as possible.

“After the previous seasons’ restrictions from COVID-19, we want to ensure our venues and fixtures remain affordable and welcoming.”

Article added: Tuesday 28 June 2022