New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially stepped back from its agreement with US-based firm True North Sports Ventures (TNS). The partnership, established in April 2025, was intended to provide high-performance and operational support for a planned Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise scheduled to launch in 2027.
Strategic Realignment
NZC confirmed on Wednesday that it has invested no capital into the project and will hold no further involvement or stake in the venture moving forward. CEO Geoff Allott stated that the decision was driven by a need to focus resources on opportunities within New Zealand before pursuing international expansion. While acknowledging the potential of the American market, Allott noted that further evaluation led the organization to conclude the timing was not right for such an undertaking.
Leadership Statements
- “Firstly, I want to say that I admire the endeavour and aspiration behind the partnership with TNS,” Allott said regarding the termination.
- The CEO emphasized that the immediate priority remains strengthening domestic cricket and refining high-performance environments for national players.
- Allott thanked TNS and MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan for facilitating the exploration of the opportunity and reaching a mutual agreement.
- “We wish them all the best for the future of MLC and have pledged to keep the lines of communication open,” Allott concluded.
