NZC has announced schedules for the Halliburton Johnstone Shield (HBJ Shield) and Super Smash, For Domestic Season starting in October 2022.
A challenging 2021-22 season:-
After a challenging 2021-22 season marked by widespread COVID-19 disruptions, the board has said formats and playing conditions will be in place for all competitions. Back to those before last season.
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The provision to allow substitutes for players who test positive for Covid-19 will remain the same. Central Hinds will face Auckland Hearts in New Plymouth. The group stage will run from November to February.
Defending HBJ Shield champion Otago Sparks will take on Northern District on 19 November, while runners-up Wellington Blaze will play their first match against the Canterbury Magicians.
A Qualify for the final:-
Each team will face each other twice, and the top two teams will qualify for the final on March 04, 2023. The John Davis Oval in Queenstown will host the finals of the HBJ Shield.
NZC’s general manager of cricket operations, Katherine Campbell, said NZC and the six major associations are resilient to respond to any emergency caused by COVID-19 or otherwise.
The COVID-19-related lockdown affected the opening round of matches between Northern Districts and Auckland Hearts last season.
Waiting for the full season of domestic cricket:-
Campbell assured that NZC is ready to mitigate any challenges that lie ahead.
“We are all looking forward to a full season of domestic cricket to be played across the country. From Whangarei in the north to Queenstown and Dunedin in the south,” he said.
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“With domestic international fixtures and Dream11 Super Smash. Kiwi cricket fans will have plenty to keep their interest going from early October to early April 2023.”
NZC will announce the schedule of Super Smash in the coming days.
