New Zealand Cricket Parts Ways with White Ferns Coach Ben Sawyer

Coaching Changes in New Zealand Women's Cricket

New Zealand Cricket has announced that it will not extend the contract of Ben Sawyer, the head coach of the White Ferns, which is set to conclude in December. Sawyer, who led the team to its first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory in Dubai in 2024, will exit following a thorough evaluation of the women's high-performance framework. Additionally, White Ferns manager Rachel Pettitt will also leave as part of this restructuring.

Achievements Under Sawyer's Leadership

Since taking over in mid-2022, Sawyer has achieved significant milestones. His leadership not only brought home the historic T20 World Cup but also secured a bronze medal for New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He successfully managed various bilateral series both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, Sawyer contributed to the growth of several prominent White Ferns players, including Georgia Plimmer, Eden Carson, and Izzy Gaze.

Reactions from Sawyer and Team Captain

Although Sawyer expressed disappointment over the non-renewal of his contract, he reflected positively on his experience with the White Ferns. "Coaching the White Ferns has been an incredible honor, and I am thankful for the chance to lead this team," Sawyer stated, as reported by the ICC. He added, "This team holds a special place in my heart, and I am proud of our accomplishments over the past four years. While I am saddened to leave, I wish the team and New Zealand Cricket all the best moving forward."

Melie Kerr, the White Ferns captain and Player of the Match during the T20 World Cup final, acknowledged Sawyer's contributions. "We are immensely grateful for Ben and all he has done for our team," Kerr remarked. "His preparation was unparalleled, and he dedicated himself fully to improving the team. Ben played a crucial role in a pivotal moment for women's cricket in New Zealand, instilling a belief in us that led to our World Cup triumph after a challenging period, which speaks volumes about his character and leadership."

Next Steps for the Team

As the team prepares for their upcoming T20I series in Australia next month, an interim head coach and team manager will be appointed. The search for a permanent head coach will begin shortly.