New Zealand Cricket Posts $7.3m Loss and Cuts Super Smash Coverage

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has reported a loss of $7.3 million for the 2026 financial year. It has started a comprehensive review of its internal financial processes and will also revise its broadcast plans for the coming Super Smash season.

What drove the deficit

NZC said the deficit was larger than expected and came from several factors. Revenue from a multi-year domestic broadcast agreement had already been received and recognised in earlier financial years, creating an accounting mismatch in the current period.

Income from a commercial partnership was also lower after changes to gambling regulations in India altered the terms of the agreement. Rising operating costs across the organisation added further pressure.

Chief executive’s response

Chief executive Geoff Allott said the organisation accepts that the performance is not good enough and not sustainable. He stressed that the broadcast money had not been lost and that NZC had received the income it was entitled to, but said immediate corrective action is needed.

Fewer Super Smash matches on air

The financial position has affected the plans for the Super Smash. NZC will reduce the number of matches it broadcasts as part of its efforts to manage costs.

The governing body said it will review its financial systems and processes to stop a similar situation recurring, while continuing to focus on the long-term sustainability of New Zealand cricket.