The BlackCaps are shaking things up—who's stepping in to steer New Zealand cricket's future? Picture this: a seasoned pro returning to the helm at a pivotal moment for the national team. It's the kind of comeback that gets cricket fans buzzing, but what does it really mean for the squad's success? Dive in as we unpack Gavin Larsen's latest role, and trust us, there's more to this story than meets the eye.
ESPNcricinfo Staff
October 17, 2025, 01:46 AM ET
In an exciting development for New Zealand cricket, Gavin Larsen has been named the new selection manager for the men's teams, stepping into the position previously held by Sam Wells. Working closely alongside head coach Rob Walter, Larsen will take charge of picking players for the senior New Zealand team, as well as the New Zealand A and New Zealand XI squads. For those new to cricket jargon, think of him as the behind-the-scenes strategist who helps assemble the dream team for matches—it's a role that demands deep knowledge of the game and a keen eye for talent.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Larsen shared, 'I'm truly thrilled to return to the BlackCaps and the elite high-performance setup in New Zealand. My love for cricket here is immense, and having another shot to make an impact at the top level feels incredibly rewarding. I can hardly wait to kick things off this summer and contribute to keeping the BlackCaps on their winning path.'
Larsen isn't a stranger to the spotlight. With eight Test matches and 121 One Day Internationals under his belt as a medium pacer from 1990 to 1999, he brings real-world experience to the table. Before this, he served as chief executive of Cricket Wellington and cricket operations manager leading up to the 2015 ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. He then held the selection manager post from 2015 to 2023, giving him a solid foundation for this comeback. After that stint, he ventured into performance directing at Warwickshire County Cricket Club in England, before heading back home to take on commercial duties for the Nelson Giants basketball team.
Daryl Gibson, the NZC chief high-performance officer, highlighted Larsen's key responsibilities: managing the selection process, collaborating with scouts across the country, and keeping tabs on domestic coaching insights. 'Gavin's prior experience in the role and his grasp of what's needed were big factors in choosing him,' Gibson explained. 'But what really stood out was his enthusiasm, drive, and eagerness to dive back in and create positive change.'
And this is the part most people miss—the selection model stays the same. Larsen will have the authority to brief, advise, and even challenge Walter's decisions, but the head coach keeps the final say. Gibson elaborated, 'Rob will have the ultimate call as chief selector, but we're relying on Gav to arm him with all the necessary information and to push his ideas. It calls for a tight bond between them, and we're sure Gav's interpersonal skills and expertise will make it a smooth ride.'
But here's where it gets controversial... Is this structure—where the coach has the last word—really the best way to foster innovation in team selection? Some might argue it empowers the coach too much, potentially stifling fresh voices, while others see it as a balanced approach that ensures accountability. What do you think—does giving the selector a strong advisory role like Larsen's lead to better results, or could it spark debates over favoritism? We'd love to hear your take in the comments!
Larsen is set to officially start his duties on November 3, marking a new chapter for the BlackCaps. As cricket evolves, appointments like this remind us how passion and experience can reignite a team's fire. Will Larsen bring the spark needed for continued glory? Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to share your predictions below!
