Good news for cricket fans – live, ball-by-ball commentary of all home internationals and domestic finals will be available on SENZ radio this summer, with digital coverage also available via a partnership with NZME and the Alternative Commentary Collective.
A new four-year partnership with SENZ will provide comprehensive coverage of all BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS home internationals, as well as all finals from the domestic men’s and women’s Super Smash and one-day competitions.
In addition, SEN in Australia will take the feed for this summer’s home Tests against Australia, and in turn SENZ will carry coverage of the WHITE FERNS’ three T20Is in Australia, to be played in October 2025.
SENZ has already forged a reputation as New Zealand’s premier sports media channel, providing cricket fans with live coverage of the recent ICC World Test Championship final between Australia and India, and the current Ashes Series in England.
Its commentary can be accessed via a nationwide network of terrestrial frequencies, as well as through its digital app and its online news site.
Kiwi sportscasting doyen Ian Smith, who headlines SENZ’s daily morning show, said the partnership was a great outcome for cricket fans nationwide.
“SENZ has supported cricket greatly throughout our entire network, and this partnership will take it to the next level,” he said.
“I can’t wait to cover all the action in the coming years. It’s exciting that this partnership not only includes internationals but also has a strong focus on domestic cricket.”
NZC chief executive David White said, as a dedicated sports media platform, SENZ represented a most fitting audio rights partner for the game in New Zealand.
“This is great news for the thousands of cricket fans who want to follow the game while driving, working, painting the roof, or who otherwise choose to take the live radio feed,” he said.
“Historically, cricket has strong links to radio commentary and I’m sure listeners will be very pleased with the quality of SENZ’s coverage.”
SENZ chief executive Sam Bingley said he could not be more excited by the partnership.
“We’re dedicated to providing our audience with extensive coverage, which this partnership certainly delivers across international and domestic cricket”, he said
“Through this partnership, we aim to bring the excitement of cricket to a wider audience and strengthen the sport’s connection to the fans.”
Mike Lane, General Manager, The Alternative Commentary Collective (ACC), said his team was excited to be back.
“It all started for The Alternative Commentary Collective back in 2015 with live and unfiltered cricket commentary on iHeartRadio, so it’s mildly emotional to be back calling the game we love,” said Lane.
“Cricket is a lifelong passion for many of The ACC team, so look out for a stunning return to audio commentary – we guarantee it will be like no other coverage you have ever heard.”
NZC will publicly announce its 2023-24 home international schedule tomorrow.
Name of Author: New Zealand Cricket
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
