Cricket Wellington has launched the Wellington Blaze Academy, a new initiative within its High-Performance programme designed to provide a clear and connected pathway for talented female cricketers aspiring to reach the highest levels of the game.

The inaugural Academy cohort features 10 young female cricketers who will have access to high-quality coaching, individual development planning, performance support, educational opportunities and experiences aligned with the expectations of the senior Wellington Blaze environment.

The inaugural Wellington Blaze Academy players are:

• Anvi Verma (Scots College and Johnsonville CC)
• Isla McKenzie (North City CC)
• Neha Ramanathan (North City CC)
• Lily Campbell (Wellington Collegians CC)
• Emma Parker (Kapiti College and Petone-Riverside CC)
• Eva Hay (Wellington Collegians CC)
• Rose McGuigan (Scots College and City Suburbs CC)
• Thea Larsen (Queen Margrets College and City Suburbs CC)
• Mira Patel (Scots College and Johnsonville CC)
• Greta Abbott (Tawa College and North City CC)

The Blaze Academy has been established with the support of New Zealand Cricket through Project Push On investment, which is focused on strengthening the women’s high-performance pathway and supporting the continued development of female cricketers across New Zealand. Cricket Wellington acknowledges NZC’s support in helping make the programme possible.

Liz Green, NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Development, said:

“We’re proud to partner with Cricket Wellington to bring the Blaze Academy to life. NZC’s strategic investment across all six Major Associations is an important part of strengthening the women’s high-performance pathway and ensuring talented young players have the support and opportunities they need to progress towards domestic and, ultimately, international cricket.

“Wellington has a proud history of developing outstanding cricketers, and we’re excited to see the Academy support the next generation of homegrown talent and, ultimately, help produce more players capable of representing the WHITE FERNS.”

The Blaze Academy selectors identified a group of players and considered each player against five key criteria: long-term development potential, performance and skill execution, work ethic, coachability and succession planning. Players were reviewed collectively by the selection panel, with the final group reflecting an overall assessment of each player’s potential, current performance and suitability for the Academy environment.

The Academy officially launched on Wednesday 19 August, with players and their parents attending an evening led by Cricket Wellington GM of High Performance Dave Wildash and Wellington Blaze Academy Manager Robbie Kerr. The players were also introduced to the Blaze support staff they will have access to throughout the 12-month programme.

Dave Wildash, Cricket Wellington GM of High Performance, said:

“A key principle of the Blaze Academy is ‘Nothing new’, which came from a conversation with Blaze Head Coach Jonny Bassett-Graham about how we can better prepare Wellington-developed players for the demands of the Blaze environment. While some of our Academy athletes are already part of the Blaze group, the 12-month programme is about continuing to support their development and helping them grow into the environment.

“The Academy will support and teach players to balance the demands of high performance cricket with life away from the game, while providing year-round development and building their understanding of the culture, environment and standards expected at the Blaze.

“Ultimately, we want players to feel prepared and excited when their opportunity comes. They should feel supported, understand what is expected of them, and be ready to perform physically, mentally, technically and tactically.”

The programme will provide each player with an Individual Development Plan, giving them clear direction and accountability around their development, while also providing opportunities to work alongside the wider Blaze environment and support staff.

Robbie Kerr, Wellington Blaze Academy Manager, said:

“The Blaze Academy is a wonderful initiative by Cricket Wellington. The women’s game in New Zealand and around the world is growing at a rapid rate.

“The jump from age-group cricket to domestic cricket is significant. Our aim with the Academy is to help bridge those gaps and prepare players for the demands of the next level. Cricket Wellington wants to continue to develop homegrown players at domestic and international level.

“I am impressed with the attitude and work ethic of the players. There is a genuine desire to improve. I look forward to working with the players and watching them develop, not only as cricketers but as people and future leaders within the game.”

The Wellington Blaze Academy forms part of Cricket Wellington’s long-term commitment to developing homegrown female talent and strengthening the pathway towards professional and White Ferns cricket, with the aim of supporting more Wellington-developed players to progress through the system and take their opportunities at the highest level.

Article added: Monday 24 August 2026