Rob Walter nominated New Zealand head coach by T20 World Cup 2028

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially announced Rob Walter as the new head coach of the men’s national team across all formats following the exit of long-time coach Gary Stead. Walter, who previously served as South Africa’s white-ball head coach, will take over in mid-June, with his first assignment being a white-ball tour to Zimbabwe in July.

His contract runs until the end of the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Proven track record for Walter

Walter brings with him an impressive coaching résumé. He guided South Africa to their first-ever T20 World Cup final in 2024, following a dominant run of eight consecutive wins before narrowly losing to India in the summit clash.

Under his tutelage, the Proteas also reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and made it to the knockouts of the 2025 Champions Trophy. While his tenure ended two years before his contract with Cricket South Africa expired, Walter stepped down citing personal reasons and a desire to reunite with his family based in New Zealand.

Walter is no stranger to New Zealand cricket. Prior to his South Africa stint, he held coaching roles with Otago Volts and Central Stags, leading the latter to the Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield titles in the 2022–23 season. He also worked with New Zealand A and has been involved in the IPL as an assistant coach.

His appointment comes at a time when NZC had initially considered split coaching roles. However, the board has opted for continuity across formats, entrusting Walter to guide the Blackcaps through the next World Test Championship cycle, the 2027 ODI World Cup, and two T20 World Cups—including the home edition in 2028.