The New Zealand domestic first-class tournament, Plunket Shield 2025-26, is set to begin on November 18, with the eighth and final round scheduled from March 27.
This will be the 100th edition of the tournament, which was introduced in 1906, originally competed for on a challenge basis.
But it was not until 1921-22 that the tournament was contested over a round-robin format by all New Zealand first-class teams.
“The Plunket Shield was first awarded in 1906, by the Governor of New Zealand, Lord Plunket, and was given to Canterbury as the association with the best record that season,” said NZC.
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“The 1921-22 summer was the start of the men’s domestic first-class competition as we know it, with the Plunket Shield competed for on a seasonal basis featuring four of today’s six major associations, with Central Districts (1950-51) and Northern Districts (1956-57) later additions.”
The competition was suspended for five seasons during the World War 2 (1939-45), thus making the 2025-26 its centenary season. Central Districts play Auckland, Wellington take on Otago, and Cantebury face defending champions Northern Districts in the opening round this season.
Fast bowler Michael Snedden has a strong bond with history of the Plunket shield as he is fourth generation first-class player.
His father Martin, grandfather Warwick and great grandfather Nessie have all played in the past, with Nessie playing the inaugural season in 1921-22.
“It’s been said before and I agree, our domestic competitions are the equal of any others in the world, and the Plunket Shield is the jewel in that crown,” said NZC CEO Scott Weenink.
“The basis for the Black Caps side that won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship and achieved that wonderful piece of history in India last year is the Plunket Shield. It continues to produce international-ready Black Caps and demonstrate its relevance, more than 100 years on from when it began”.
The NZC has designed a special logo as a part of centenary celebrations, and will unveil all-time plunket Shield Xl.
