ISLAMABAD (PEN) : South African Rob Walter has been named head coach of the New Zealand men’s cricket team across all formats, following Gary Stead’s decision to step down after a seven-year tenure.
The announcement was made Friday by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), two days after Stead confirmed his departure from the Test coaching role, having already relinquished his responsibilities in white-ball formats earlier this year.
Walter Brings Global and Local Experience
Walter, 49, most recently served as the head coach of South Africa’s ODI and T20I teams, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. His familiarity with New Zealand cricket includes coaching domestic sides and leading a New Zealand A tour to India in 2022.
“The Black Caps have been a successful and highly-regarded team on the world scene for some time now and it’s a real privilege to be given the chance to add to that,” Walter said in a statement from NZC. “It’s an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and support staff through a period of time in which so many global events, as well as massive bilateral series, will be contested.”
Long-Term Commitment Ahead of World Cup 2028
Walter has signed a contract that extends through to the conclusion of the 2028 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which New Zealand is set to co-host alongside Australia.
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised the appointment: “Rob is a world-class coach with an outstanding pedigree. His success in New Zealand’s domestic game, combined with his recent achievements on the global stage with South Africa, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Black Caps.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Walter’s first assignment in charge will be New Zealand’s tour of Zimbabwe in July, featuring two Test matches and a T20 tri-series that includes South Africa.
