Ben Sawyer has vacated his position as the head coach of the New Zealand Women’s cricket team after a four-year tenure. This decision follows a comprehensive internal review by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), which concluded that the high-performance structure required a shift in leadership. Although Sawyer’s contract was slated to run through December 2026, the review determined that the program now necessitates a new Performance Lead role. Additionally, the team manager position previously occupied by Rachel Pettit has been disestablished.
Appointed in June 2022, Sawyer led the White Ferns through a period marked by significant development and notable achievements. His record includes securing a bronze medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and orchestrating New Zealand’s historic triumph at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024. During his leadership, several emerging talents—including Georgia Plimmer, Eden Carson, and Izzy Gaze—secured central contracts and developed into world-class performers under his guidance.
Reflecting on his departure, Sawyer described his time with the group as an immense honor. “Being the White Ferns coach has been a huge honour and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this group,” he stated. He added that while he is disappointed to move on, he remains proud of the team’s collective accomplishments and offered his best wishes to the squad and the board for the future.
Daryl Gibson, NZC’s Chief High Performance Cricket Officer, expressed gratitude for the outgoing coach’s dedication. “Ben’s overseen a period of considerable change and progression for the White Ferns and we’re deeply appreciative of the commitment, professionalism and time he invested in the women’s game,” Gibson noted. He emphasized that the decision, while difficult, was necessary to adopt a new leadership approach tailored to the program’s evolving future direction.
Captain Amelia Kerr also offered a tribute to Sawyer’s impact, specifically highlighting his pivotal role in the 2024 World Cup success. “His preparation was second to none, he poured his heart and soul into the role and left no stone unturned trying to make the team better,” Kerr remarked. She credited his unwavering belief in the squad as a key driver that helped the team overcome recent challenges to claim a historic title.
As the organization transitions, an interim head coach and team manager will oversee the team during the upcoming T20I series in Australia, with the official squad announcement scheduled for early October. Recruitment for both the permanent head coach and the new Performance Lead role is expected to commence in the immediate future.
