Expect to see the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy on the line much more regularly in the future – beginning with this week’s KFC T20I Series in New Zealand.
Launched in 2004-05 as the symbol of trans-Tasman supremacy in men’s ODI cricket, the trophy will now be contested over both 50-over and T20I formats in order to increase its exposure and profile.
The change, jointly proposed by New Zealand Cricket and Cricket Australia, has been supported by both the Chappell and Hadlee families.
Amended rules of engagement for the Trophy include exempting it from ICC World events and establishing a points structure for times when T20I and ODI series are played back-to-back – to avoid the potential for it to be swapped back and forth within days.
Australia currently holds the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy after beating the BLACKCAPS 3-nil in an ODI series in Cairns in September 2022, the seventh time it has won it.
The BLACKCAPS have lifted the trophy on four occasions, most recently in 2017 when they claimed a 2-nil series victory thanks to close-fought wins at Eden Park and Seddon Park.
Perhaps the most memorable series win, from a Kiwi point of view, was the BLACKCAPS’ 3-nil whitewash of Australia in the 2006-07 home summer, courtesy of a 10-wicket win in the first encounter, and after chasing down targets of 336 and 346 in the next two, respectively.
Speaking on behalf of the Hadlee family, Sir Richard was enthusiastic about broadening the scope of the trophy.
“Brilliant,” he said. “It’s great that the trophy will have more visibility and profile.
“I like the new conditions too - especially in the event of back-to-back 20-over and 50-over series.
“It means all games will continue to be relevant, and that the trophy will remain on the line for a longer period - plenty to play for.”
Former Australian Test captain Greg Chappell applauded the move.
“Having our family name on the Chappell-Hadlee is a great source of pride for Ian, Trevor and myself,” he said.
“We’re pleased it will now be awarded for bi-lateral T20 series as well as ODIs.
“I’m a great believer in promoting young players through the pathways and national system and it will be particularly pleasing to see some young Australian players competing with their Kiwi counterparts for the trophy in years to come.”
NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said the move complemented his organisation’s push to better recognise the legacy and the history of international cricket.
“We think it’s important for the players, the fans and, in particular, the next generations coming through, to know where we came from and who we are,” he said.
“Having the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy more visible and prominent helps us appreciate the bond we’ve established with Australia through cricket, and the players and games that sit within that.
“I’m delighted we’re looking forward to the future but making a point of not forgetting the past.”
The opening game of the three-match KFC T20I series will be played at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on Wednesday, ahead of back-to-back showdowns at Auckland’s Eden Park on Friday night and Sunday.
