Gary Stead leaves New Zealand cricket after successful coaching tenure

New Zealand Cricket announced that Gary Stead, the head coach of the national cricket team, will depart from his position at the end of June 2025 after a remarkable seven-year tenure. His coaching career was marked by significant achievements, including winning the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, which was a historic milestone for New Zealand cricket. During his time in charge, Stead also guided the team to the finals of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where they were narrowly defeated by England, and the 2022 T20 World Cup. Under his leadership, the Black Caps consistently demonstrated resilience and competitiveness across all formats of the game, reflecting Stead's influence on building and refreshing the squad with young talents. Stead remarked on the emotional journey, citing memories of great successes and the bond formed with players and staff as the pinnacle of his experience. The decision for Stead to leave comes amidst New Zealand Cricket's desire to have a single head coach for all formats of the game, which ultimately led to his exit after stepping away from the white-ball teams earlier this year. He expressed his intention to recharge and explore new coaching opportunities both within New Zealand and internationally. Former Black Caps captain Kane Williamson praised Stead's contributions, stating he would be remembered as one of the country's most successful coaches. The search for a new head coach is already ongoing, with candidates such as Rob Walter and Shane Bond being considered for the role. With Stead's departure, New Zealand cricket now faces a pivotal moment as it looks to continue building on the foundations laid during his time in charge.