Kane Williamson’s legacy is already stamped and undeniable at this point. He is a figurehead in Kiwi cricket as he has been a consistent star throughout his career. Williamson has carved out a career that has put him alongside the modern-day greats. However, he has cemented himself as an all-time great who deserves more recognition.

Williamson is a consistently excellent batsman

Most of today’s cricket is filled with aggressive and fast-paced players. But Williamson sets himself apart with his classic technique, good composure and strong consistency. He excels across all formats of the game without compromising that style.

During his career, Williamson has amassed over 8,000 runs in Test matches. That is already a strong reason why he deserves to be a top batsman, but he finds ways to step up under pressure. He has scored centuries across many formats against many top-tier cricketing nations. 

Beyond Test cricket, he has scored over 7,000 runs in One-Day International cricket and over 2,600 runs in T20I cricket. That kind of versatility across many formats shows he is one of the best. He knows how to step up and carry New Zealand across many innings, cementing himself as a star.

Williamson’s iconic reputation as New Zealand’s captain

Many players shine through individual brilliance, but Williamson stands out not only for his exceptional skills but also for being a great leader. He is regarded as one of the most impressive leaders in modern cricket, as seen with the team’s success. He led the Black Caps to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final, but they came close to winning.

He redeemed himself and the team by leading them again two years later in the ICC World Test Championship, becoming the first-ever country to win the event. Furthermore, he succeeded due to his calm and thoughtful decision-making. 

Apart from his leadership, he is also one of the most humble players you’ll see in cricket. Williamson is known for his grace when winning or losing, as he exudes the quiet authority that most cricketers would want to have.

Williamson has superb longevity

Since he debuted in international cricket in 2010, Williamson has become one of the most enduring players in cricket. He has faced some injuries throughout his career, but he has kept up being part of the New Zealand system. Any time his name is called, he steps up and delivers, which cements his legacy further.

He is the fastest Kiwi to score 7,000, 8,000, and 9,000 runs. Williamson has sustained excellence for a long time, which has proven he belongs alongside Kiwi legends like Martin Crowe and Brendon McCullum.

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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has taken a bold step by investing in a Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise, set to debut in 2027. This move marks the first time that a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has invested in an overseas franchise. 

Partnering with True North Sports Ventures (TNS), the new franchise will be based in either Toronto or Atlanta. NZC will offer a ‘high-performance and operational support� which includes coaching and team support. This plan gives NZC a chance to tap into the growing cricket fanbase in North America, which is estimated at 25 million.

NZC CEO Scott Weenink said the deal would strengthen its presence in the world’s most lucrative sporting market.

MLC has six teams based in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington and Texas. This tactical move aligns well with NZC’s goal to expand its global brand and fan base, especially with cricket’s comeback in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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Sky Television (Sky) used to have exclusive rights to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) matches for over two decades until 2019. From then, the national teams�games were held by Spark Sport from 2020 to 2023 which was then picked up by Television New Zealand (TVNZ) in a 3-year deal. Sky returns with a six-year contract, reforming partnerships with NZC.

Sky deal with New Zealand Cricket begins on 2026/27 season

The broadcasting deal for New Zealand Cricket is still with TVNZ, a public service broadcaster (PSB) in the country, until the 2025/26 season. This deal with Sky will begin in the 2026/27 domestic and international seasons for six years until 2032/33. Sky has exclusive rights to broadcast national team games for the duration of the contract. 

Scope and limitations of the contract

The contract specifically covers home games for the Black Caps (men’s national team) and White Ferns (women’s teams). It will not include domestic events like the Super Smash Twenty20 or the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield ODI. This deal specifically covers the national teams�events, not domestic clubs.

NZC also negotiates international broadcasting rights with other networks. That means Sky only covers domestically hosted games for Black Caps and White Ferns for the New Zealand audiences. All home international NZC games are exclusive to Sky’s Pay-TV broadcasting platforms.

How to watch New Zealand Cricket games on Sky platforms

The deal with Sky Television secures all NZC home international games on paid platforms. Events will air on Sky Sport channels which require a Sky Sport subscription on top of the standard Sky TV package. 

Sky Sport Now is a standalone streaming option that you can download on iOS and Android devices or view on desktop web apps. It’s also a paid subscription service that does not need Sky TV or Sky Subscription. 

Existing Sky Subscribers can use Sky Go, a downloadable app for iOS and Android devices. Pair it with your Sky TV package and subscriptions to stream NZC games at no extra cost. 

The importance of this deal to New Zealand Cricket

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink stated that the partnership with Sky is to ensure the best possible access for cricket fans in New Zealand. It creates certainty for the short-to-mid-term domestic broadcasting future of the sport with strong revenue potential.

The secured broadcasting revenue is the organisation’s financial backbone. It ensures the players are paid, the stadiums are maintained, and the sport continues to develop. 

Securing broadcasting rights with a large brand like Sky also reassures cricket fans get consistent coverage of the sport. Thus, the six-year contract also helps NZC retain and grow viewership over time. It’s a partnership that holds the players, organisations, and the fans�best interests at heart.

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