Former New Zealand batter Craig McMillan has been confirmed as the full-time assistant coach of the White Ferns ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
The 48-year-old returns as assistant coach after spending a year with the White Ferns in a part-time capacity, which covered their victorious Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE.
He will continue to oversee batting and fielding duties under head coach Ben Sawyer, with his new role commencing this week.
His move will make him step away from media and other coaching commitments around the world, but he insisted the opportunity was too good to turn down.
“I’m over the moon to be in this role with the White Ferns,” said McMillan. “The women’s game is going from strength to strength, and I’m excited to continue to work with our talented players and help them reach their goals,” said Craig McMillan.
The last year has gone so quickly and I’ve loved every minute of being part of a team that continues to improve, challenge one another, and does special things on the world stage,” McMillan added.
McMillan also stressed on the importance are well underway as New Zealand are set to end their ODI trophy drought since their World Cup title in 2000.
The White Ferns are in training camp in Chennai last month to familiarise themselves with Indian conditions ahead of the marquee tournament.
“It’s been a busy period leading into the 50-over World Cup,” McMillan added. “We’ve had a number of camps, including one in Chennai which exposed the players to Indian conditions like what they’ll face in October-November. The team is pumped to get back to India and take on another World Cup.”
New Zealand will begin their campaign against defending champions Australia on October 01 in Indore. The Women’s Cricket World Cup prize Money will be US$ 13.88 million which is 297% hike from the preivous edition of tournament hosted in New Zealand in 2022.
New Zealand Women will play their opener match of the World Cup campaign against Australia Women on October 01 at Holkar Stadium.
