Central Districts to Launch Ford Trophy Title Defence as NZ Domestic Season Opens October 28

The 2026-27 New Zealand domestic summer will get underway on October 28 with the men’s Ford Trophy, as defending champions Central Districts host Northern Districts at Nelson’s Saxton Oval in the season opener.

The men’s domestic summer begins in Tāmaki Makaurau, Whakatū and Te Whanagui-a-Tara on Wednesday 28 October ⏳

Full schedule | https://t.co/PdbdEAOzfx #FordTrophy pic.twitter.com/sI6wqPs7HQ

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) August 16, 2026

For the third consecutive year, the 50-over competition will lead the domestic calendar, with the first round also featuring Auckland against Canterbury and Wellington hosting Otago. The ten-round men’s one-day competition will follow the established structure, with the first five rounds scheduled across October and November before a pause for the Plunket Shield and Super Smash. The competition will resume in February ahead of the Finals Weekend.

Women’s Season Begins in November

The women’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield will commence on November 14 at Palmerston North’s Fitzherbert Park, where Northern Districts will begin their title defence against Central Hinds.

The combined Finals Weekend concept, which has proven successful in recent seasons, will return to the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington. NZC chief cricket operations officer Catherine Campbell highlighted the accessibility of the schedule, noting that 14 venues will host matches across the men’s and women’s competitions.

“This year’s schedule once again gives fans the chance to watch our best domestic talent up close at some fantastic regional venues,” Campbell said in a statement.

Venue Updates and International Dovetailing

Auckland’s Colin Maiden Park is set to return to the roster after undergoing redevelopment, having last hosted domestic fixtures in 2023. The venue’s inclusion expands the reach of the competition across the country.

Campbell also noted that the domestic schedule aligns with New Zealand’s international summer, ensuring “top-class cricket on offer right through the peak summer cricket months.”

The Plunket Shield schedule will be announced on September 2, followed by the Super Smash fixtures in late September.

                                               

Relevant news