Sarah Tsukigawa, a former New Zealand all-rounder, has been appointed as the national selector for women’s cricket. With 42 ODIs and 19 T20Is under her belt, Tsukigawa brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Tsukigawa’s responsibilities will encompass selecting players for the national team and identifying talent within the women’s cricket pathway. She will collaborate with New Zealand’s head coach, Ben Sawyer, to ensure a seamless transition between levels.
As New Zealand prepares to host Australia and participate in the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, Tsukigawa’s expertise will be crucial. The squads for both tournaments will be announced on September 10.
Tsukigawa expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I’ve always wanted to get back involved in women’s cricket and give back to the game that has given me so much.” She previously held leadership positions at Otago, including captain, assistant coach, and selector.
Tsukigawa’s experience as a player and selector will provide valuable insights into the selection process. She believes in the current White Ferns squad and the pathway being developed for future players.
Liz Green, NZC Head of Women’s High Performance, emphasized the importance of talent identification and succession planning. Tsukigawa’s unique skillset, combining player and selector perspectives, will be instrumental in these areas.
With Sophie Devine’s decision to step down as T20I captain after the World Cup, Tsukigawa’s role may extend to identifying her successor. Devine remains committed to leading the team in ODIs.
Tsukigawa’s appointment is a testament to her passion for talent development and her understanding of the women’s cricket landscape. Her contributions will undoubtedly strengthen New Zealand’s women’s cricket program.
