Rob Walter Appointed New Zealand's New Head Coach

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has appointed Rob Walter as their new head coach. The board confirmed this development on Friday (June 6th). The 49-year-old takes over from Gary Stead, who held the position as head coach for 7 years with the New Zealand national team. Walter's role will start from mid-June and extend till the end of the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup, set to finish in November.

Walter, who was previously associated with the South African national team, had previously led his home team to the semi-finals in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, the finals in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies & USA & the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy in 2025 in Pakistan. Walter has previously coached domestic teams like Otago Volts & Central Stags in New Zealand.

Walter also worked with the New Zealand 'A' side in 2022, The South African has also coached IPL franchises Pune Warriors India & Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) in the past. Back home in South Africa, he coached the Titans squad in domestic cricket.

Walter has a big job on his hands as the Kiwis are set to play some big tournaments in the next three years, with Walter to remain at the helm till the 2028 T20 World Cup in November.

In this three-year cycle, Walter will oversee New Zealand's ICC WTC campaign, the 2026 T20 World Cup in India & Sri Lanka, the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe & Namibia, the 2028 LA Olympics & finally the T20 World Cup in 2028 at home, co-hosting with Australia.

Speaking on his appointment, Walter said,

Walter Excited For NZ Coaching Role

"The Blackcaps have been one of the strongest teams in world cricket, & I'm excited to work with the New Zealand national team".

"It's an exciting opportunity to work with a talented pool of players, as there is plenty of cricket lined up with ICC events & bilateral series".

"I'm nothing but excited to start with my new role, it's new, it'll be challenging, but there'll be good times at the end of it."

NZC Chief On Walter

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink added,

"Rob is one of the most world-class international coaches, his heroics with the South African national team in recent years a proof of his caliber as a coach".

"We welcome Walter back home to help & guide the team in these exciting & challenging times where we play three key ICC tournaments."