WELLINGTON, June 4 – Gary Stead, the most successful head coach in New Zealand cricket history, has announced he will step down when his contract ends this month, concluding a seven-year tenure marked by historic achievements.
The 53-year-old guided the Black Caps to their first-ever ICC title with victory in the 2021 World Test Championship final against India and came agonizingly close to 50-over World Cup glory in 2019, losing to England on a boundary countback after a tied super over.
Under his leadership, New Zealand also reached the finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2024 Champions Trophy, along with a memorable 3-0 Test series sweep in India.
Reflecting on his time, Stead praised the team’s resilience and unity, saying, “There’s been some amazing memories… I’ve just tried to build and shape what Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson started.”
Stead had previously indicated plans to step away from coaching New Zealand’s limited-overs sides but had expressed interest in continuing with the Test team. His departure will mark the end of a defining era for New Zealand cricket.
