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New Zealand’s Plunket Shield To Mark 100 Years As New Season Begins November 18

Jatin

New Zealand set to celebrates 100 Years of Plunket Shield [Source: @BLACKCAPS, @arnuX05/x.com]New Zealand set to celebrates 100 Years of Plunket Shield [Source: @BLACKCAPS, @arnuX05/x.com]

New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious domestic competition is about to raise the curtain on a milestone like no other. The 2025-26 Plunket Shield will mark its 100th season, kicking off on November 18 and running until March 27 with fans set for a summer of high-quality red-ball cricket.

New Zealand Ready For Plunket Shield Centenary Season From November 18

The Plunket Shield first made its appearance in 1906, gifted by Lord Plunket, the then Governor of New Zealand. In those early days, it was fought for on a challenge basis, but it wasn’t until 1921-22 that the competition took the familiar round-robin format. That season featured four of today’s six major associations with Central Districts joining in 1950-51 and Northern Districts in 1956-57.

The competition did take a forced break for five seasons during World War II, but it has since been the foundation of New Zealand’s domestic cricket producing countless Black Caps and iconic moments.

Star-Studded Opening Round

The centenary season gets underway with Central Districts vs Auckland, Wellington vs Otago and defending champions Northern Districts vs Canterbury. All eyes will be on familiar faces and exciting youngsters as they battle it out for bragging rights in this landmark year.

One player with a unique link to the tournament’s history is Wellington pacer Michael Snedden. He is a fourth-generation first-class cricketer with his great-grandfather Nessie having played in the very first seasonal Plunket Shield back in 1921-22.

The Jewel In New Zealand’s Domestic Crown

New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink couldn’t have summed it up better:

"The Plunket Shield is the jewel in that crown. The basis for the Black Caps side that won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship… It continues to produce international-ready Black Caps and demonstrate its relevance, more than 100 years on."

To mark the occasion, NZC has unveiled a special centenary logo and will announce an all-time Plunket Shield XI to celebrate the legends who have graced the competition.