TICKET TO GLOBAL SUPER LEAGUE FOR CENTRAL STAGS
The CENTRAL STAGS are off to South America in July where the 2024/25 Dream11 Super Smash champions will become the first New Zealand team to compete in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL).
The second edition of the Global Super League will also mark the team’s first international campaign in 15 years.
The GSL is a short, sharp tournament that brings together five top T20 teams from around the world, in Guyana - including hosts and 2024 CPL runners-up, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Big Bash champion the Hobart Hurricanes. It will run from 10 to 18 July, at Providence Stadium.
This marks the first overseas appearance by a Stags team since a trip to South Africa for the now defunct 2010/11 Champions League, with none of the current generation of players having been involved in that last experience.
The opportunity comes at a significant time for the team, as Central Districts Cricket embarks on its 75th jubilee season.
Dane Cleaver and Tom Bruce enjoy the spoils | PHOTOSPORT
The Stags have been invited to the GSL on the back of a dominant T20 campaign in which they topped the regular season Super Smash table before showcasing their class to beat a star-laden Canterbury Kings side in the Grand Final.
It was the Stags' fourth national T20 title, with national trophies secured in all three formats over the past three seasons. Captain TOM BRUCE was later named as both the Stags' and New Zealand Cricket’s Men’s Super Smash Player of the Year, after his explosive 157.67 strike rate, safe hands and calm leadership underscored his value.
Strike bowler BLAIR TICKNER meanwhile claimed the most wickets in the competition nationally, averaging just 19.13 with the ball.
The squad to compete in Guyana is yet to be named, but is expected to feature many of the same faces that ended up with winner's medals around their necks at the Cello Basin Reserve.
LANCE HAMILTON, Central Districts Cricket Chief Executive, said that after 15 years since the Stags last competed overseas as a team, "for the 2025 generation to have this opportunity to play in Guyana, against peer teams from around the globe, is a very special way for us to enter our 75th jubilee season as an organisation.
“The GSL showed what a strong concept it is during last year’s successful inaugural tournament, and we can’t wait to be involved in this exciting competition with a rapidly growing brand.”
SIR CLIVE LLOYD, Chair of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the reigning Super Smash champions, the Central Stags, to this year’s GSL.
"Their inclusion adds further quality and excitement to the tournament.
"With their proud legacy in New Zealand cricket, we’re confident they’ll not only bring a high standard of play, but also experience the warmth and hospitality that the people of Guyana are renowned for.”
ABOUT THE GSL
• The Global Super League is an annual T20 cricket tournament hosted in Guyana, bringing together teams from top cricketing nations
• The 2025 tournament will feature five teams competing in 11 thrilling matches, all held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence from 10 to 18 July 2025
• With a focus on delivering high quality cricket and unforgettable fan experiences, the GSL aims to promote the sport while enhancing Guyana’s reputation on the global stage
• So far, defending champion the Rangpur Riders (Bangladesh), the Hobart Hurricanes (Australia), Guyana Amazon Warriors and Central Stags have been confirmed as participants, with one team still to be announced
• The five contestants will be vying for the prestigious GSL trophy and a share of a US $1 million prize pool
• Last year's inaugural tournament was broadcast in New Zealand on SKY Sport
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