The Central Stags will represent New Zealand in the 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), marking the team’s first international campaign in 15 years.
Following a dominant domestic season, the Central Stags enter the GSL as the reigning champions of New Zealand’s 2024/25 Super Smash.
Topping the regular season table, the Stags showcased their class in the final, beating a star-laden Canterbury Kings side to secure their fourth national T20 title.
Led by experienced skipper Tom Bruce, who was named New Zealand Cricket’s Men’s Super Smash Player of the Year, the Stags come into the GSL on the back of an excellent campaign last season.
Bruce’s explosive 157.67 strike rate underscored his value, while strike bowler Blair Tickner claimed the most wickets in the competition, averaging just 19.13 with the ball.
The squad will draw on a rich talent pool from New Zealand’s central provinces that have been a proven breeding ground for international stars.
Several Stags have gone on to represent the BLACKCAPS, including Tom Bruce, Dane Cleaver, Blair Tickner, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, and Ajaz Patel — with many of these expected to feature in a strong lineup at the GSL.
This marks the Stags’ first overseas team appearance since the 2010/11 Champions League, a moment that holds special significance as Central Districts Cricket celebrates its 75th jubilee season.
Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the reigning Super Smash champions, the Central Stags, to this year’s GSL. Their inclusion adds further quality and excitement to the tournament.
With their proud legacy in New Zealand cricket, we’re confident they’ll not only bring a high standard of play but also experience the warmth and hospitality that the people of Guyana are renowned for.”
Lance Hamilton, Central Districts Cricket Chief Executive, said: “It’s been 15 years since the Stags competed overseas as a team and for the 2025 generation to have this opportunity to play in Guyana, against peer teams from around the globe, is a very special way for us to enter our 75th jubilee season as an organisation.
“The GSL showed what a strong concept it is during last year’s successful inaugural tournament, and we can’t wait to be involved in this exciting competition with a rapidly growing brand.”
The Global Super League is an annual T20 cricket tournament hosted in Guyana, bringing together teams from top cricketing nations. The 2025 tournament will feature five teams competing in 11 thrilling matches, all held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from 10 to 18 July 2025.(GSLT20)
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