New Zealand women’s captain, Amelia Kerr, and men’s fast bowler, Jacob Duffy, were the standout performers at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards. Kerr secured her fourth consecutive Debbie Hockley Medal for leading her team to a third Super Smash title and excelling in T20I cricket. On the other hand, Duffy clinched the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for his exceptional performances in Test cricket, including three five-wicket hauls in four matches.
Amelia Kerr’s remarkable season saw her top New Zealand’s T20I run charts with 354 runs at an average of 70, in addition to being named Women’s T20I Player of the Year. Debbie Hockley praised Kerr as a dominant force in women’s cricket history, highlighting her all-around influence on the game. Meanwhile, Jacob Duffy’s Test exploits, where he claimed 25 wickets at an average of 16, earned him accolades for his durability, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure.
In other categories, Tim Seifert was honored as Men’s T20I Player of the Year for his impressive run-scoring record, while Daryl Mitchell and Brooke Halliday received recognition for their ODI performances. Henry Nicholls and Jess Kerr also stood out in the domestic scene, securing top awards for their outstanding contributions to New Zealand cricket. The ceremony also acknowledged umpire Chris Gaffaney and veteran administrator Martin Snedden for their significant roles in the sport.
The event included inductions into the Hall of Fame for Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen, along with tributes to retiring players and celebrations of international milestones achieved by Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine. Bates marked a historic 350 international games, while Devine became the seventh woman to reach 300 international appearances.
