New Zealand women’s cricket coach Ben Sawyer receives contract extension

New Zealand women’s cricket coach Ben Sawyer has been awarded a two-year contract extension, ensuring he will remain in charge until December 2026.

This extension means Sawyer will oversee New Zealand’s campaign at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India next year, as well as their T20 World Cup title defense in England in 2026.

Sawyer initially joined the New Zealand women’s team on a two-year contract in June 2022, which was extended until the end of October’s tour to India.

NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Liz Green emphasized the importance of Sawyer’s continued leadership in building on the team’s progress.

“We’re so pleased to have Ben sign on for another two years. He’s unlocked a lot of belief and trust in this group, and to have him stay now is massive, both for the current squad and the long-term planning for the White Ferns. The consistency and stability are important,” said Green.

“Ben’s played a big part in progressing the White Ferns and helping build the women’s pathway. Many of our young players who made their international debut on Ben’s first tour two years ago are starting to thrive, as we saw in the recent T20 World Cup. There was a huge amount of growth during that tournament, a result of what Ben and the coaches have been building over the last two years,” Green added.

Captain Sophie Devine expressed her support for Sawyer’s reappointment, noting that it would provide stability for the team. “I’m stoked Ben’s re-signed with us. The work he’s done with the White Ferns group and for women’s cricket in New Zealand has been huge. The team is in a great spot right now, so I think locking him in for another two years and having that consistency will be big for us,” Devine said.

Sawyer’s immediate challenge is this month’s three-match ICC Women’s Championship ODI series at home against Australia, where the White Ferns will attempt to stay in contention to qualify automatically for next year’s 50-over World Cup. The squad for the series at Wellington’s Cello Basin Reserve will be named later this week, according to New Zealand Cricket.