Gary Stead Steps Down as New Zealand Men's White-Ball Coach

Gary Stead Announces Departure from White-Ball Coaching Role

Auckland [New Zealand], April 8: Gary Stead, the head coach of the New Zealand men's cricket team, has officially declared his intention to resign from his position overseeing the white-ball formats, according to the ICC's official website.

In the coming weeks, Stead will also contemplate whether he wants to reapply for the Test coaching role.

Having taken on the role in 2018 after Mike Hesson's resignation, Stead is recognized as one of New Zealand's most successful coaches. He led the team to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 and achieved a remarkable 3-0 Test series win against India in their home conditions last year.

Under his guidance, the team reached the finals of the recent Champions Trophy held in Pakistan and the UAE, as well as the Cricket World Cup Final in 2019 and the T20 World Cup Final in 2021.

Stead has formally indicated his desire to step back from the ODI and T20I roles, expressing a wish to spend more time at home.

"I’m eager to take a break from the touring lifestyle and reflect on my future," Stead stated, as reported by the ICC's official website.

He added, "My focus has been on concluding the season strongly with a less experienced squad."

Stead noted that the past six to seven months have been particularly hectic, with continuous cricket since September.

"I want to assess my options but still believe I have more coaching to offer, though not necessarily as head coach across all formats," he mentioned.

He plans to use the next month to discuss his situation with his wife, family, and others.

"After this period of reflection, I’ll be in a better position to decide if I want to reapply for the Test coaching role," he added.

Stead's contract has been renewed twice, in 2020 and 2023, with the current term set to expire in June.

New Zealand Cricket's Chief High Performance Officer, Bryan Stronach, stated that Stead deserves time to consider his decision.

"Gary's results have been impressive over a long period, and we are comfortable allowing him time to gather his thoughts," Stronach remarked, as quoted by the ICC's official website.

He further noted, "Currently, we have no strong preference for either a split-coaching role or a single appointment covering all three formats, and we will likely have more clarity once we see the candidates who come forward."

Advertising for the coaching positions will begin this week.