‘A great initiative’ - Tom Latham throws support behind new NZ20 T20 league

New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham believes the NZ20, the country’s first proposed T20 franchise tournament, is an excellent initiative that will bring significant benefits to cricket in the nation.

Although the NZ20 concept is yet to receive formal approval from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), plans are already in motion to launch a six-team men’s competition in January 2027, followed by the women’s edition later that year. Once introduced, the NZ20 will replace the Super Smash, New Zealand’s existing domestic T20 tournament.

"I think you look at the NZ20 possibility, I think that's a great initiative. When you look at the way that cricket's moving around the world - I think we're the only Test-playing nation that doesn't have a franchise competition. But what it will bring to the country, to cricket here in New Zealand will be hugely beneficial, having international players to boost the standard of cricket. I think we've got a great standard of cricket here and I think the Super Smash has produced great cricketers for us up to this point. But I think being able to push the game forward here in New Zealand will only do great things for cricket here," Latham said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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The proposed tournament originated from discussions led by former New Zealand players, including Stephen Fleming, who worked with the New Zealand Players Association (NZPA) to assess the feasibility of a franchise-based competition in the country.

The tournament model is expected to follow the structure of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and will seek private investment as one of its primary funding sources. Latham expressed optimism about the tournament eventually getting off the ground.

"Certainly hopeful. I would love to see it happen and I'm sure you talk to a lot of the players that will be in the same camp. A lot of the guys have played franchise cricket around the world these days and been able to mix with overseas players that have had great international careers that don't play international cricket now but still play in franchise cricket,” said Latham.

“To learn off the likes of those sorts of guys will be hugely beneficial not only to the guys that play cricket for New Zealand but also to the younger generation coming through here in New Zealand. You talk to a lot of guys that play franchise cricket around the world, they have a lot of fun, they learn a lot from different players and in different conditions. So as I said earlier it's a great initiative and hopefully one that can get off the ground," he added.

Latham himself has not featured in any major T20 franchise league around the world but did represent the Birmingham Bears in the Vitality Blast during the English summer earlier this year, which coincides with New Zealand’s off-season. However, during the New Zealand summer, several top New Zealand players tend to prioritise overseas T20 franchise leagues, such as the BBL, SA20, and ILT20, over the Super Smash at home.

"I would much rather see our own competition here where we're using all of our talent as best we can to boost cricket here in New Zealand. And I think that's a really good opportunity to do that," said Latham.