Gary Stead resigns as New Zealand coach after 7 years

After seven years of service with the team, Gary Stead has resigned as New Zealand’s coach. Gary Stead had some time to consider his relationship with NZC after resigning from his coaching position in White ball formats, particularly in light of the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for the 2025–2027 season.

The 53-year-old participated in NZC’s recently revealed Central Contracts. Following Mike Hesson’s resignation as coach in 2018, Gary Stead took over and led New Zealand cricket through one of its heydays, winning the Champions Trophy and making it to the finals of the ODI and T20 World Cups.

In 2021, New Zealand won their first major championship since the ICC Knockouts Tournament in 2000, becoming the first WTC Champions under Stead. In 2021, New Zealand won their first Test series in England in 22 years. In 2024, they accomplished an unthinkable feat: a clean sweep over India.

In the media brief after his involvement with New Zealand ended, Gary Stead stated, “There have been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other, and for the fans.”

Gary Stead continued the heritage of McCullum and Hesson.

Gary Stead went on to say that his goal was to carry on the excellent work of Brendon McCullum and Hesson, who were instrumental in forming the current Kiwi team. The 53-year-old asserted that his only goal was to establish New Zealand as a team that continuously produces results at the greatest level.

“Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson had left the team with strong values and a style of play, and I’ve just tried to build and shape that further to grow our ability to be consistent in everything we do,” said Stead.

Stead may be regarded as New Zealand’s best coach due to his significant accomplishments in the ICC Tournaments and bilateral series.