New Zealand Cricket Players: Still Old, Still Male

Introduction

The New Zealand cricket team is one of the most successful in the world, having won the Cricket World Cup in 2015 and 2019. However, the team has also been criticized for its lack of diversity, with no female or non-binary players ever having been selected for the national team.

In this article, we will discuss the reasons for the lack of diversity in the New Zealand cricket team, and we will explore what can be done to improve the situation.

The Lack of Female Cricket Players in New Zealand

There are a number of reasons for the lack of female cricket players in New Zealand.

• Cultural factors: Cricket is traditionally seen as a male sport in New Zealand, and there are few opportunities for girls to play the game.
• Lack of role models: There are few high-profile female cricket players in New Zealand, which can make it difficult for young girls to see themselves as cricketers.
• Lack of access to resources: Girls often have less access to cricket facilities and coaching than boys, which can make it difficult for them to develop their skills.

As a result of these factors, there is a significant gender gap in cricket participation in New Zealand. In 2018, only 12% of registered cricket players in New Zealand were female.

The Lack of Non-Binary Cricket Players in New Zealand

There are even fewer non-binary cricket players in New Zealand than there are female cricket players. This is likely due to the fact that non-binary people face even more discrimination and prejudice than female athletes.

In addition to the cultural factors and lack of role models that female cricket players face, non-binary cricket players also face the challenge of finding a team that is inclusive and welcoming.

What Can Be Done to Improve Diversity in the New Zealand Cricket Team?

There are a number of things that can be done to improve diversity in the New Zealand cricket team.

• Increase opportunities for girls and non-binary people to play cricket: This can be done by providing more funding for girls' and non-binary cricket programs, and by creating more opportunities for them to play at a competitive level.
• Increase the visibility of female and non-binary cricket players: This can be done by featuring them in the media, and by creating role models for young people to look up to.
• Make cricket more inclusive and welcoming for everyone: This can be done by creating a culture of respect and inclusion in cricket clubs and organizations, and by ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the game.

By taking these steps, we can make the New Zealand cricket team more representative of the country it represents.

Conclusion

The New Zealand cricket team is one of the most successful in the world, but it has a long way to go in terms of diversity. By increasing opportunities for girls and non-binary people to play cricket, increasing the visibility of female and non-binary cricket players, and making cricket more inclusive and welcoming for everyone, we can make the New Zealand cricket team more representative of the country it represents.