The former White Ferns and Otago Sparks all-rounder, Sarah Tsukigawa, has stepped into the role of Women’s National Selector, filling the position left vacant by Jason Wells in May. In her new role, Tsukigawa will collaborate with White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer to oversee the selection of the national team as well as players within the women’s cricket pathway.
Tsukigawa enjoyed an international career spanning from 2006 to 2011, featuring in 42 ODIs and 19 T20Is, including the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup final. On the domestic front, she represented Otago in 153 matches. In addition to selecting players for the national team, Tsukigawa will focus on identifying talent in the women’s pathway.
As New Zealand prepares to face Australia in two weeks, followed by the Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, she will play a key role in choosing squads for these assignments, with announcements scheduled for September 10 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Following her playing career, Tsukigawa captained the Otago Sparks and later served as a selector and assistant coach for the team, all while continuing her teaching career in Dunedin. Reflecting on her new role, she said, “I’ve always wanted to get back involved in women’s cricket and give back to the game that has given me so much.”
NZC Head of Women’s High Performance, Liz Green, explained that the Women’s National Selector will be responsible for identifying talent across the women’s cricket pathway and managing succession planning—a task that could come into focus soon with Sophie Devine’s decision to step down as T20I captain after the upcoming World Cup, though Devine intends to continue leading the ODI team.
“Sarah has a clear passion for talent identification and development,” Green said. “She has a unique skillset with her experience both as a player and a selector, so she brings an understanding of the selection process from both points of view.”
Tsukigawa expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “Clear communication is an important part of selection and I feel I can bring that, along with my experience as a player. I’ve got a lot of belief in this current group of White Ferns and the pathway that is being developed to produce future White Ferns. NZC’s investment in the women’s game has created incredible opportunities for female cricketers and I’m looking forward to contributing throughout the pathway.”
Tsukigawa officially began her role on August 19. Her wealth of experience, both as a player and selector, positions her as a pivotal figure in the future of New Zealand women’s cricket. Her deep understanding of the game and commitment to fostering young talent will be invaluable as she works to strengthen the White Ferns and ensure continued success in the women’s cricket pathway.