The men’s 50-over Ford Trophy competition will open the New Zealand domestic season for the first time in six years, replacing the Plunket Shield. The Ford Trophy season is scheduled to get off with three rounds of matches on October 20. NZC released the domestic schedule for 2024–25 on Friday. One of the three games on the first day will pit Wellington against the defending champions, Canterbury.
After that, on November 11, the Plunket Shield will get underway with two rounds arranged before New Zealand’s home series against England. On November 28, the third set of Plunket Shield games and the first Test will start.
Similarly, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, a domestic one-day tournament for women, is scheduled to start on November 16 and will be organized in conjunction with Australia’s three-match ODI tour. The first ODI between Australia and New Zealand is scheduled for December 19, following the completion of six rounds of the Johnstone Shield games. This season, 14 locations will host domestic matches for the three competitions.
“We consulted with the players, coaches ,and turf managers around white-ball cricket starting the men’s season instead of the Plunket Shield,” Richard Brewer, NZC head of cricket operations, said. “The change will see slightly different pitch conditions for both competitions, which will bring new challenges for both batters and bowlers. The fact the red-ball competition also now aligns with the England Test tour is an added bonus.
“Similarly, it’s great to have the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield leading into the White Ferns series against Australia before Christmas, which will allow many of our best female players quality one-day preparation, and a chance to push their cases for selection.”
Men compete in the Ford Trophy for five rounds, then compete in the Plunket Shield for four rounds till December 10. The Ford Trophy then continues on February 6 and runs through to the final in Dunedin on March 2. After that, on March 5, the Plunket Shield once more takes over. The Plunket Shield final round, which takes place from March 29 to April 1, will mark the end of the domestic season.
The women’s Johnstone Shield concludes on December 15 after six rounds and resumes on February 8. Once more, the final will take place in Dunedin on March 1.
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