NZC Walk Away From Planned Major League Cricket Franchise Venture

New Zealand Cricket has hit the brakes on a bold American adventure. On Wednesday, NZC confirmed it is stepping back from its partnership with True North Sports Ventures, ending plans to support a Major League Cricket franchise launching in 2027. The reason? A sharper focus on the game at home.

NZC Steps Back From the MLC Venture

The announcement closes a chapter that began in April 2025. At that point, NZC agreed to provide high performance and operational support to a venture that aimed to launch a new franchise in Major League Cricket.

Now, the board has changed course. NZC says it has reassessed the opportunity and decided the timing is not right.

Importantly, the governing body confirmed it invested no capital in the partnership. It will also have no ongoing investment or involvement in the venture.

What the Original Deal Involved

The agreement with True North Sports Ventures (TNS) was centred on expertise rather than money. NZC was set to lend its high performance know-how and operational support to the proposed franchise.

That would have given New Zealand Cricket a foothold in one of the most closely watched growth markets in the sport. Instead, the organisation has chosen to pause that ambition and look closer to home.

Geoff Allott Explains the Decision

NZC chief executive Geoff Allott said the call came down to priorities and resources. In his view, New Zealand cricket needs attention before any international expansion can be considered.

He was also quick to acknowledge the vision behind the project. There was no criticism of the American market or of the people involved.

“Firstly, I want to say that I admire the endeavour and aspiration behind the partnership with TNS. There’s plenty of potential in the American market, however following further evaluation of the opportunity, we don’t think the timing is right for us to be taking this on.”

That statement makes the message clear. This is about timing, not a lack of belief in the US game.

Home Priorities Come First

Allott stressed that NZC’s immediate focus is on strengthening cricket across New Zealand. A key part of that is refining the best possible high performance environment for its players and teams.

“Our immediate priority is ensuring we continue to invest in strengthening cricket in New Zealand and refining the best possible high-performance environment for our players and teams.”

In short, the resources that might have gone into a franchise project will stay committed to domestic needs. Expansion, according to NZC, can wait until that foundation is where it needs to be.

Key Facts at a Glance

What It Means for MLC and NZC

For Major League Cricket, the development removes one planned support partner from a 2027 franchise project. The league’s co-founders, Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan, were thanked directly by Allott for allowing NZC to explore the opportunity.

The language on both sides points to a calm exit. Allott described the outcome as a mutual agreement, which suggests there is no fallout behind the scenes.

The Door Stays Open

NZC did not close the book on future conversations. Allott confirmed the governing body wishes TNS and MLC all the best and has pledged to keep the lines of communication open.

“I want to thank TNS and MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan for allowing us to explore the opportunity and their support in coming to this mutual agreement. We wish them all the best for the future of MLC and have pledged to keep the lines of communication open.”

That leaves room for a future link-up if circumstances change. For now, though, New Zealand Cricket is turning its full attention back to its own backyard.

The Bigger Picture

The move shows how carefully national boards are weighing the rapid growth of franchise cricket. Opportunities abroad can be exciting, but they also demand time, people and focus.

NZC has made its choice. Strengthen the home game first, then revisit global ambitions when the timing feels right.