The New Zealand Cricket Awards 2026, presented by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), recognized the outstanding achievements of cricketers across formats, with Amelia Kerr, Jacob Duffy, and Jess Kerr among the winners.
Amelia Kerr clinches fourth consecutive Debbie Hockley Medal
Amelia Kerr, New Zealand women’s captain, won the Debbie Hockley Medal for the fourth straight year, recognizing her as the Women’s Cricketer of the Year. Kerr starred in the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, earning Player of the Series honors in multiple matches.
Debbie Hockley praised her, saying: “Quite simply, we’re talking about a dominant force in every facet of the game, and one of the most influential players in women’s cricket history.” Kerr also won the Women’s T20 Player of the Year award.
Jacob Duffy claims Sir Richard Hadlee Medal and more
Jacob Duffy took the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal after breaking Hadlee’s record for most wickets by a New Zealander in 2025. He also won the Test Player of the Year award and the Winsor Cup for men’s first-class bowling, making him one of the few players to win three major awards in a single night.
Sir Richard Hadlee said, “Jacob’s durability, consistency, and ability to take wickets in pressure moments made him the most complete bowling performer of the season.”
Jess Kerr shines in domestic competitions
Jess Kerr enjoyed a stellar season in New Zealand domestic cricket, earning both the Women’s Domestic Player of the Year and Super Smash Women’s Player of the Year awards. Her consistent performances with both bat and ball were instrumental in her team’s success, highlighting her as one of the country’s rising stars in women’s cricket.
Tim Seifert excels in T20 internationals
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert was named Men’s T20I Player of the Year after a standout performance in New Zealand’s T20 campaign. He scored 326 runs in eight innings at an impressive average of 46.57 and a strike rate of 166.32, playing a key role in guiding his team to the final. His dynamic batting made him one of the most influential performers in the tournament.
Lifetime contribution recognized
Martin Snedden was honored with the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for his services to cricket. NZC Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said his contribution places him among New Zealand cricket’s greatest influencers.
Former all-rounders Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen were inducted into the NZC Hall of Fame, the first additions since the inaugural “First Eleven” last year.
Complete list of award winners:
- Debbie Hockley Medal – Amelia Kerr
- Sir Richard Hadlee Medal – Jacob Duffy
- Bert Sutcliffe Medal – Martin Snedden
- Test Player of the Year – Jacob Duffy
- Men’s ODI Player of the Year – Daryl Mitchell
- Women’s ODI Player of the Year – Brooke Halliday
- Men’s T20I Player of the Year – Tim Seifert
- Women’s T20I Player of the Year – Amelia Kerr
- Men’s Domestic Player of the Year – Henry Nicholls
- Women’s Domestic Player of the Year – Jess Kerr
- Super Smash Men’s Player of the Year – Katene Clarke (Northern Brave)
- Super Smash Women’s Player of the Year – Jess Kerr (Wellington Blaze)
- Redpath Cup – Henry Nicholls
- Ruth Martin Cup – Kate Anderson
- Winsor Cup – Jacob Duffy
- Phyl Blackler Cup – Jess Kerr
- Umpire of the Year – Chris Gaffaney
