Gary Stead to leave role as New Zealand head coach after seven years

    New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has confirmed that he will vacate the role when his contract expires at the end of June after seven years in charge.

    Gary Stead in training Gary Stead in training

    Stead is the Black Caps' most successful coach having led the country to a World Test Championship (WTC) title in 2021 and three global white-ball final appearances.

    After succeeding Mike Hesson in 2018, Stead led New Zealand to the 50-over World Cup final where they lost to hosts England at Lord's after a super over.

    He then guided the Black Caps to the WTC trophy with a victory over India in the final before losing out to Australia in the 2021 T20 World Cup final in Dubai.

    Stead was also in charge when the Black Caps lost out to India in the ICC Champions Trophy final earlier this year while they also reached the semifinals of  2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup under his tenure.

    A crowing moment came last year when New Zealand became the first team to clean sweep India at home in a 3-0 Test series win.

    "There's 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," Stead said.

    "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.

    "It's been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I'd like to think that, regardless of results, the opposition know the Blackcaps are a team that won't fold and will always show the grit and determination to compete.

    "To work alongside some of New Zealand's best cricketers and have had a ringside seat to every training and match has been very special and an absolute honour.

    "For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game."

    New Zealand captain Kane Williamson paid tribute to the departing coach, saying: "Steady gave absolutely everything to the team.

    "There was no one more hard-working and passionate about seeing the Blackcaps grow and succeed. He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke."