The Dream11 Super Smash is heading back to the future this summer with all 12 teams set to don retro kits.
Paying homage to the domestic teams of the 90s and early 2000s playing in the Cricket Max and one-day domestic competitions, the shirts represent an opportunity to reflect on the growth of the T20 format since it began 20 years ago.
The retro kits were designed and produced in collaboration with NZC’s domestic apparel partner, Dynasty Sport, following an initial idea sparked by Dynasty and NZC’s six Major Associations.
The shirts will be launched today at the Cello Basin Reserve, the venue for the Super Smash Finals weekend in early February.
NZC GM Marketing & Communications Stacey Geraghty said reflecting on the past helped people appreciate the growth of T20 cricket in New Zealand.
“The popularity of T20 cricket continues to grow globally, and so does New Zealander’s interest in the Dream11 Super Smash,” said Geraghty.
“From the introduction of men’s and women’s double-headers in 2020 to the free-to-air coverage of matches across TVNZ and now retro shirts, Super Smash continues to grow and be a fantastic product.
“We’re sure the modernised retro shirts will spark great memories and yarns amongst cricket fans, as well as providing something new and different for our younger fans.”
The retro designs brought a wave of nostalgia for Northern Districts stalwart James Marshall.
“The retro shirts bring back some great memories. My first shirt in domestic 50-over cricket was very similar to this year’s retro kit,” said Marshall.
“Cricket was semi-professional back then, so it's great to see its progress on the world stage, and to have played a little part in that.
“What’s so refreshing about T20 cricket these days is the fearlessness of young upcoming cricketers. I look forward to getting down to watch them and I hope the New Zealand public do as well.”
Shirts are available for purchase at www.dynastysport.co.nz, with a pre-Christmas shipping cutoff date of 19th December. Shirts will also be available to purchase directly through each of the six NZC Major Associations later in the month and in-venue at all Super Smash matches.
The competition is set to kick off in style on Thursday 26th December with a double-header between Auckland and Northern Districts at Seddon Park.
The action-packed schedule includes 64 matches, comprising 32 men’s and women’s double-headers at 10 venues across Aotearoa New Zealand.
All matches will be broadcast LIVE and free-to-air on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE, with both Grand Finals also broadcast LIVE on Sport Nation.
Click here to secure your Dream11 Super Smash tickets today.