Is Gary Stead Leaving as New Zealand Head Coach After 7 Years?

Christchurch, June 4 (NationPress) New Zealand men's head coach Gary Stead is preparing to conclude his tenure at the end of June, after an impressive seven-year period leading the national team.

Stead, who declared last month his intention to step down from the coaching role for the white-ball formats, was ultimately excluded from consideration for the head coach position after NZC decided to have a single head coach for all three formats.

Regarded as New Zealand's most accomplished national coach, Stead guided the team to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, and achieved a remarkable three-nil Test series triumph over India in their territory last year, in addition to five finals appearances in ICC white-ball World Cups, along with various semi-final runs in global competitions.

"The past seven years have been filled with incredible memories, shaped by a group of extraordinary and talented individuals who have dedicated themselves to their country, each other, and the fans," Stead stated in a press release from NZC.

"Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson established strong values and a defined playing style, and I aimed to enhance that further to improve our consistency across all areas of our game.

"It has been rewarding to remain competitive across all three formats, and I hope that regardless of the outcomes, our opponents recognize that the BLACKCAPS are a team that will never back down and will consistently demonstrate grit and determination to compete," he continued.

Throughout his tenure, New Zealand ascended to the top of the ICC Test and ODI rankings, achieving numerous bilateral series victories and achieving groundbreaking series wins both at home and overseas.

Stead highlighted the ICC World Test Championship victory and the three-nil sweep of India as significant milestones, as well as the team’s composure during and after the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

"It has been a privilege to work alongside some of New Zealand's finest cricketers and witness every training session and match from a front-row seat. For a nation with just five million people and limited resources, our performance against the sport's major nations has been outstanding.

"I am thankful to everyone who has supported and assisted me throughout my journey, especially my wife Rachel and children Alex and Libby, who have made significant sacrifices. I also wish to express my gratitude to NZC and all the support staff with whom I've collaborated, who are actively engaged with the team daily.

"I wish the new coach the best of luck and the team continued success in the future. I will take some time to recharge, but I still have the passion for coaching and will seek opportunities both domestically and internationally to share the knowledge I've gained from my 30 years in professional sports as a player and coach.

In his final weeks, Stead will participate in the BlackCaps' winter camps, preparing players for the upcoming tour to Zimbabwe in July.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised Stead's tremendous contributions to the BlackCaps. "Steady gave everything to the team. No one was more dedicated and passionate about ensuring the BLACKCAPS grow and thrive.

“He was meticulous in his planning and preparation and will be remembered as one of our best coaches, but an even better person," Williamson remarked.

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink commended Stead’s transformative influence. "Gary has been an outstanding leader for the BLACKCAPS, guiding the team to the pinnacle of world cricket with remarkable consistency and bravery," Weenink stated. "His accomplishments, from the World Test Championship victory to historic series wins abroad, have inspired the nation and set a new standard of excellence in New Zealand cricket. On behalf of NZC, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Gary for his commitment and dedication, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.