T20 World Cup winning coach loses contract with New Zealand

New Zealand have made the decision to not renew the contract of head coach Ben Sawyer.

Sawyer's tenure was set to conclude in December this year, but the White Ferns decided the coach that led them to their maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup title in Dubai in 2024 would not have his contract renewed.

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The decision comes after a comprehensive review process of New Zealand Cricket women’s high performance structure, with Sawyer and White Ferns manager Rachel Pettit to depart their roles as a result.

While Sawyer's biggest success came at the T20 World Cup in 2024, the coach also led the side to a Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and helped orchestrate a bevy of bilateral series victories in New Zealand and away from home.

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The Australian-born coach also played a major role in the development of established New Zealand stars Georgia Plimmer, Eden Carson and Izzy Gaze following his appointment in the middle of 2022.

While disappointed not to have his contract renewed, Sawyer said his time with the White Ferns was memorable for a variety of reasons.

"Being the White Ferns coach has been a huge honour and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this group," Sawyer said.

“This team means a lot to me and I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the past four years.

“Although I’m disappointed to be leaving, I want to wish the team and New Zealand Cricket all the best."

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White Ferns skipper Melie Kerr - who was adjudged Player of the Match in that memorable T20 World Cup title success - paid tribute to the outgoing coach and the impact he had made on the playing group.

“We’re hugely grateful for Ben and everything he’s put into this team,” Kerr said.

“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.

"Ben played a huge part in a defining moment for women’s cricket in New Zealand. He showed a belief in us that helped propel the team to World Cup victory after a difficult few months and that’s a testament to his character and leadership.”

The Kiwis will take an interim head coach and team manager to Australia next month for their upcoming T20I series, with the full-time appointment of a new head coach to commence shortly.