Kilikiti, BYC, Indoor Cricket, Last Man Stands, Beach Cricket, Tape Ball and T20…
Another bumper year of cricket is upon us and this summer is set to be the most revolutionary yet.
Shorter formats, fewer players per team, new rules and different pitch lengths will all feature across community cricket ovals and parks this season.
Modified cricket is now more popular than traditional cricket in New Zealand. PHOTOSPORT
The game has changed - cricket in New Zealand has transformed in response to the demands of modern life.
It's now more common for organised cricket teams to feature less than the eleven players traditionally needed, and the majority of matches are short-format.
Furthermore, long summer Saturday’s are no longer the game’s primary playground, with weekday matches out-numbering their weekend rival, following an explosion of week-night cricket leagues.
BLACKCAP Tom Latham participates in a form of modified cricket at Napier's Taradale Cricket Club. PHOTOSPORT.
New Zealand Cricket’s General Manager of Community Cricket Adrian Dale has applauded clubs and schools up and down the country for adapting to the changes so quickly.
“Our coaches and volunteers are doing an amazing job of providing cricket that meets the modern needs of their communities,” Dale said.
“The majority of our junior cricket is now short, fast and action packed; with an emphasis on every player having a chance to be fully involved.
“Long gone are the days when kids turn up and don’t get a chance to bat and bowl.”
The last New Zealand Cricket census recored 178,000 cricket participants, all playing different versions of the game. PHOTOSPORT
And those participating may also look different.
Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of modern day cricket in New Zealand.
At least 40% of adult cricketers in New Zealand’s biggest city are of Asian decent and there are many events and competitions catering to a wide array of communities and alternative forms of cricket.
Kilikiti is a Samoan inspired version of cricket which can be occasionally spotted in parks around the country. PHOTOSPORT
All of this means, that whoever you are and whatever interest you have in cricket, there’s probably a team, format or competition for you.
Even better if you’re an aspiring WHITE FERN.
Female junior cricket participation was up nearly 12% last season and is expected to continue to rise, following further investment across the women’s game.
“The Women’s Cricket World Cup arrives here in 2021 and we want to use that global event as a point in time to show off and celebrate the advancement in female cricket in New Zealand. 
The Weedons Wildcats girls cricket team pose for a photo after game in rural Canterbury. PHOTOSPORT
“Last season saw over 5000 new female players, which is a great start, but we know there is much more to do to maximise the huge potential of women’s cricket.”
It’s not just playing.
From coaching to administration, to a new world of umpiring and scoring - there’s an array of exciting opportunities to support the many varieties of cricket.
A Kiwi classic: beach cricket is a common sight in New Zealand holiday spots over the summer. PHOTOSPORT
So, if you happen to wander by a game of cricket this summer, it may look a little different to what you’re used to.
There may be fewer players, a shorter pitch, five ball overs or even a batsman standing alone in the middle without a partner!
But there’ll always be a bat and a ball … it will always be cricket - just not quite as we know it.
