Player Induction Forum - 2025

2025 Player Induction Forum

The 13th annual Player Induction Forum was held on September 24th and 25th, 2025, in Auckland, where 26 newly contracted men and women from across the six Major Associations gathered for their first official step into the professional cricketing environment. Over two days, players were introduced to the NZCPA as their organisation, and the opportunities, expectations, and responsibilities that come with their playing contracts, while also learning about the wide range of services and lifelong support available to them through the NZCPA.

Head of Player Services, Brad Rodden, said the forum plays a vital role in setting the tone for players’ careers. “For many, this is the first step into a completely new environment. The induction forum is about equipping them with the tools to succeed both on and off the field, and importantly, letting them know that the NZCPA is their club for life. It’s a chance to connect early, build relationships, and show players that they’re not on this journey alone.”

The programme included a mix of sessions and conversations designed to provide a strong foundation of knowledge and confidence. Past players Mikaela Franks (née Greig) and George Worker joined the group on day one for a Q&A hosted by Paul Hobbs, sharing honest reflections on the highs, lows, and unpredictability of professional cricket. Their experiences highlighted that no two careers are the same, but the skills and support networks available can help players manage the challenges as well as the successes.

Interactive discussion were a feature of the forum, with Lesley Elvidge introducing the Personal Development Programme on day one, while day two saw further education sessions on bullying and harassment [GS1] led by Ainsley Benefield, and an engaging session on social media awareness. Players also heard from SuperLife’s Ivy Valderrama and Hilary Van Lent on how they can setup and engage with the Cricketers’ Retirement Fund, from Gema Hill at InsureYou on ACC and group insurances, and from NZC’s Liz Green and Marty Croy on the NZC and Major Association High Performance Programmes.

For new Auckland Aces player Siddhesh Dixit, the experience was both exciting and reassuring. “Hearing from past players and learning about the support systems in place has given me a lot of confidence. It’s clear that cricket is about more than just what happens on the field — it’s about preparing yourself for everything that comes with being a professional.”

Central Districts player Jess Ogden was struck by the emphasis on balance. “The sessions really highlighted how important it is to look after yourself as a person as well as a player. Understanding things like well-being, financial planning, and having an identity outside of cricket are just as valuable as the training we do every day.”

By the close of the forum, the newly contracted players left with a greater sense of what lies ahead in their professional cricketing lives, and the reassurance that they are part of a community committed to supporting them every step of the way. For this new group, the NZCPA is not only an organisation that advocates for them now, but also a club they will belong to for life.

2025 Member Induction Forum attendees

Men

• Auckland: Siddhesh Dixit, Rohit Gulati, Lachlan Stackpole, Samrath Singh

• Canterbury: Jesse Frew, Scott Janett

• Northern Districts: Xavier Bell

• Otago: Mason Clarke

• Wellington: Oscar Jackson, Samuel Morgan, Amogh Paranjpe

  
  

Women

• Auckland: Taila Hurley, Ayaan Lambat, Jess Smith, Anika Tauwhare

• Canterbury: Darcy Prasad, Abigale Gerken

• Central Districts: Jess Ogden, Abby Treder, Kate Gaging

• Northern Districts: Sophie Court, Tash Wakelin

• Otago: Hannah O’Connor

• Wellington: Isla McKenzie, Hannah Ryan