Gary Stead to step down as New Zealand head coach

Gary Stead will step down as head coach of New Zealand's national cricket team, the Black Caps, at the end of June 2025, concluding a successful seven-year tenure. Under his leadership, the team achieved notable milestones, including winning the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 and a historic 3-0 Test series victory over India on their home turf. The Black Caps also secured runner-up finishes at the 2019 50-over World Cup, the 2021 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Throughout his time in charge, the team consistently performed well across all formats, reaching high rankings in Tests and ODIs and advancing to multiple World Cup semi-finals. Stead had previously stepped down from coaching New Zealand's white-ball teams in April 2025, citing a desire to reduce time on tour. This decision did not align with New Zealand Cricket's vision for a single coach across formats. Former captain Kane Williamson praised Stead as one of the most successful and dedicated coaches in New Zealand cricket history. New Zealand Cricket has commenced the search for his replacement.