New Zealand Cricket has announced a preliminary deficit of $7.3 million for the last financial year. The figure is significantly higher than the budget forecast deficit of $1.8 million.
NZC attributed the difference to several factors. The organization had budgeted for revenue from a multi-year domestic broadcast contract, but that revenue had already been received in previous financial years. There was also a reduction in income following changes to the partnership with sponsor Dream11 due to changes in India’s gambling laws. An increase in overall costs also contributed to the deficit.
NZC chief executive Geoff Allott acknowledged the situation was disappointing. He said the financial performance was not good enough or sustainable. He said the coming financial year was set to be more prosperous, with projections forecasting a surplus in excess of $10 million, driven largely by the in-bound tour by India.
NZC has undertaken a range of measures in response to the deficit. These include a full review of internal financial processes and a reassessment of budgets. There will also be a reduction to the broadcast schedule for the final season of the T20 Super Smash. Just 24 of the 64 matches this summer will be broadcast across 12 double-header match days. The full Super Smash schedule is set to be released next month.
India Tour Could Rescue NZC From $7.3 Million Deficit
New Zealand Cricket has reported a significant operating deficit of $7.3 million for the financial year ending July 31, 2026. The figure is much higher than the budget forecast of $1.8 million.
Several factors contributed to the deficit. There was a budgeting mistake over multi-year broadcast revenue. The title sponsor Dream11 withdrew from the domestic Super Smash tournament due to changes in Indian gambling laws. Costs to run the business went up. This made money problems worse.
New Zealand Cricket has money troubles right now. But the future looks good. The board expects to make a $10 million profit in the next financial year. A $10 million profit proves that an Indian cricket tour makes a lot of money. One tour can pay for losses from past years.
Access to such fixtures is vital for boards with high operating costs. The India series will be crucial for NZC to get through this difficult period.
NZC has implemented some recovery strategies. These actions mean fixing the budget and checking how money is handled inside. And also cutting Super Smash matches down to 24 games
India Tour of New Zealand 2026 Full Schedule
India will tour New Zealand for a full-format series from October to December 2026. The tour includes 5 T20Is, 5 ODIs, and 2 Tests. It is the largest inbound series in New Zealand cricket history by number of matches.
T20I Series
| Date | Match | Venue | NZT | IST |
| Thu, Oct 22 | 1st T20I | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 8:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Sat, Oct 24 | 2nd T20I | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 8:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Tue, Oct 27 | 3rd T20I | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 8:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Fri, Oct 30 | 4th T20I | Eden Park, Auckland | 8:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Sun, Nov 01 | 5th T20I | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 8:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
ODI Series
| Date | Match | Venue | NZT | IST |
| Wed, Nov 04 | 1st ODI | Eden Park, Auckland | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
| Sat, Nov 07 | 2nd ODI | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 3rd ODI | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 4th ODI | Bay Oval, Tauranga | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
| Sun, Nov 15 | 5th ODI | Bay Oval, Tauranga | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
Test Series
| Date | Match | Venue | NZT | IST |
| Wed, Nov 04 | 1st ODI | Eden Park, Auckland | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
| Sat, Nov 07 | 2nd ODI | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 3rd ODI | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 4th ODI | Bay Oval, Tauranga | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
| Sun, Nov 15 | 5th ODI | Bay Oval, Tauranga | 3:00 PM | 6:30 AM |
The series starts on October 22 with the first T20I in Christchurch. The T20I leg moves through Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton. The ODI series begins on November 4. The Test series rounds off the tour.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from Tests and T20Is but continue to play ODIs. The five-match ODI series could be a platform for them to showcase their form ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
FAQs
Q. How much was New Zealand Cricket’s deficit?
A. NZC reported a deficit of $7.3 million.
Q. What surplus does NZC expect next year?
A. NZC expects a surplus of more than $10 million.
Q. How many matches will India play in New Zealand?
A. India will play five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests.
Q. Where will the first T20I be played?
A. The first T20I will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Q. How many Super Smash matches will be broadcast?
A. Only 24 of the 64 matches will be broadcast.
Q. Are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing Tests?
A. No. Both have retired from Test and T20I cricket.
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