ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Gary Stead will conclude his tenure as head coach of New Zealand’s national cricket team, the Black Caps, at the end of June 2025, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced today. The 53-year-old’s decision marks the end of a highly successful seven-year period, during which the team achieved significant milestones across all formats.
A Legacy of Success
Under Stead’s leadership, New Zealand secured the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021 and achieved a historic 3-0 series sweep over India on their home turf. The Black Caps also reached the finals of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, narrowly missing out on victory in both tournaments. Additionally, they finished as runners-up in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Throughout his tenure, Stead maintained a competitive edge, leading the team to top rankings in both Test and ODI formats and guiding them to multiple World Cup semi-finals.
Transition to a Single-Coach Model
In April 2025, Stead stepped down from coaching New Zealand’s white-ball teams, citing a desire to reduce time spent on tour. This decision aligned with NZC’s aspiration to have one coach overseeing all formats. Stead expressed pride in his team’s resilience and competitive spirit, stating, “It’s been nice to be competitive across all three formats, and I’d like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the Black Caps are a team that won’t fold.”
Reflections and Future Plans
Reflecting on his tenure, Stead highlighted the World Test Championship triumph and the 3-0 series victory over India as career-defining moments. He also acknowledged the challenges of maintaining consistent performance amid player retirements and injuries, noting the importance of refreshing the squad with emerging talents.
Former Black Caps captain Kane Williamson praised Stead’s dedication and impact, stating, “There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed. He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of … .”
Stead plans to take a break before exploring new coaching opportunities, both domestically and internationally, aiming to share his extensive experience from over 30 years in professional sport.
NZC’s Search for a Successor
NZC has commenced the search for Stead’s successor, considering both split-role and single-role coaching models. The board remains open-minded about the structure, awaiting applications from potential candidates.
