New Delhi, March 23 -- New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has proposed a new NZ20 franchise league to replace the existing Super Smash domestic T20 tournament, which has been running for 21 years.

NZC have also proposed a women's tournament, and, as per the proposal, it will be a six-team league involving privately-owned franchises. Should everything fall into place, the first edition of the tournament could take place in January 2027.

"While not a ⁠final commitment, the decision allows the board to focus resources on negotiating a potential licence and binding commercial ​arrangement with the ‌NZ20 organisers," NZC said in an official statement.

Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, the chair of the New Zealand Cricket board, hoped to see m...