Ben Sawyer leaves New Zealand women’s head coach job after four-year tenure

New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Ben Sawyer has left his role as the New Zealand women’s head coach after being at the helm for four years following a review meeting.

Sawyer was appointed the head coach of the White Ferns in June 2022, and his contract was set to end in December 2026; however, he did not receive a renewal after a review process of the high-performance structure.

During his time with the New Zealand women’s side, the Australian-born led the White Ferns to a bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, before guiding them to the T20 World Cup 2024 crown.

“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, as quoted by NZC.

“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 NZC all the best,” he added.

Meanwhile, Daryl Gibson, NZC’s Chief High Performance Cricket Officer, reflected on Sawyer’s tenure and highlighted how difficult a leadership change was. “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.

“It was a difficult decision which was not made lightly, but it reflects our view that the next stage of the White Ferns journey requires a different leadership approach to support the future direction of the programme,” Gibson said.

Under Sawyer, star all-rounder Melie Kerr was appointed as the women’s team’s captain, and Kerr also thanked the coach for his services. “We’re hugely grateful for Ben and everything he’s put into this team,” said Kerr.

“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,” she said.

Meanwhile, Head of Women’s High Performance Development Liz Green emphasised the legacy of the outgoing coach. “Ben leaves the team and women’s pathways in a stronger position than when he joined us and has worked hard to develop a clear programme plan and structure that’ll continue to support our aspiration of long-term sustainable success,” Green said.

New Zealand will have an interim coach and a team manager for their away T20I series against Australia next month. The squad for the series will be named in early October, while the process to get Sawyer’s replacement will start soon, NZC stated.

–IANS

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