The spring edition of Outright magazine is out now, after what has been a busy time for the NZCPA and our members.
Daylight savings, the warmer weather and the buzz of lawn mowers across all the cricket grounds nation-wide can mean only one thing - cricket is back for the summer. From the community level where many a keen parent volunteers (or possibly avoids) to score their child’s match on the weekend, to the professional level where there is a buzz in the air amongst those involved in the game.
For our men and women members another comprehensive calendar is underway on both the domestic and international front. The Blackcaps programme has built toward the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, where they once again made it through to the final stages of the tournament, but unfortunately running into an inspired performance by Pakistan in the semi-final. The Blackcaps now return home to face India in three T20 matches and three ODIs, before heading to Pakistan just before the New Year. February sees them back home for two tests against England, and they round off summer at home with a solitary test and three match ODI and T20 series versus Sri Lanka. The White Ferns on the other hand will meet Bangladesh at home in December for a T20 and ODI series, before heading to South Africa to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
If all these international fixtures aren’t enough to whet your appetite, the Dream11 Super Smash, Ford Trophy, Plunket Shield and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield are all being contested across the country in the domestic game. Of course, all this cricket is taking place under the newly minted Master Agreement between NZC, NZCPA and the six Major Associations. Commencing on 1 August, this landmark agreement lifts the professional game for all our members, including significant advances in the women’s game with the adoption of Yolanda Beattie’s gender equity principles. The agreed 29.75% share of revenue will see $103 million dollars applied to the Player Payment Pool over five years which provides the foundation for equal match payments for men and women, and uplifts total payments across all playing groups. Additional investment into the Personal Development Programme will also allow the NZCPA to expand the level of support for current and past players.
In this edition of Outright Dean Foxcroft shares his incredible story of leaving New Zealand in 2020 to visit family and friends in South Africa just before the borders were closed, and what unveiled in the ensuing months. Central Hinds bowler Monique Rees reveals her plan for life after cricket as she studies for her Masters in Architecture. Regarded by some as the fastest bowler New Zealand has ever produced, our Past Player feature takes us to Blenheim to catch up with Gary Bartlett. Aces Captain Robbie O’Donnell plots a new path towards recruitment and we meet our new Personal Development Manager Ginny Fail.
Click here or on the image of the cover above for a read or head to our publications section, we hope you enjoy this edition of Outright and wish you all a safe and happy summer.
NZCPA