Plunket Shield to Celebrate 100th Season with Special Logo and All-Time XI
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed that the 2025–26 season of the Plunket Shield, the country's premier domestic first-class competition, will mark its 100th edition, with celebrations planned to honour its rich history and contribution to New Zealand cricket.
The centenary season will begin on November 18, with the final round of matches scheduled for March 27. As part of the milestone, NZC has unveiled a commemorative Plunket Shield centenary logo and announced plans to reveal an All-Time Plunket Shield XI, recognising the greatest players in the tournament's storied past.
A Century of First-Class Cricket
The Plunket Shield was first introduced in 1906, donated by then-Governor of New Zealand Lord Plunket, and initially awarded to Canterbury as the association with the best record that season. However, it wasn't until the 1921–22 season that the Shield became a structured round-robin competition, involving four of today’s six major associations. Central Districts and Northern Districts joined later in 1950–51 and 1956–57 respectively.
"The Plunket Shield was first awarded in 1906… but the 1921-22 summer was the start of the men's domestic first-class competition as we know it," said NZC statistician Francis Payne. The tournament was paused during World War II, missing five seasons between 1939 and 1945, making this the official 100th edition in 2025–26.
Opening Fixtures
The opening round will see Central Districts host Auckland, Wellington take on Otago, and Canterbury face defending champions Northern Districts. The matches promise a competitive start to what is expected to be a season rich in history and quality.
A Family Legacy
One of the more remarkable connections to the Shield’s long history comes through Wellington fast bowler Michael Snedden, who represents the fourth generation of his family to play in the competition. His father Martin, grandfather Warwick, and great-grandfather Nessie Snedden all played first-class cricket, with Nessie featuring in the inaugural round-robin season in 1921–22.
The Foundation of Success
NZC CEO Scott Weenink emphasised the importance of the Plunket Shield in New Zealand’s cricketing success at international level.
“It’s been said before and I agree — our domestic competitions are the equal of any others in the world, and the Plunket Shield is the jewel in that crown,” Weenink said.
“The basis for the Black Caps side that won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship and achieved that wonderful piece of history in India last year is the Plunket Shield. It continues to produce international-ready Black Caps and demonstrate its relevance more than 100 years on.”
As the cricketing world celebrates the centenary season, the 2025–26 Plunket Shield will be more than just a competition — it will be a tribute to a century of domestic excellence that continues to shape New Zealand cricket.