New Zealand's domestic T20 rescheduled for Christmas period

New Zealand Cricket has announced a revamped schedule for its domestic T20 tournament, in a bid to make it more family-friendly and convenient to attend. The 2016-17 McDonald’s Super Smash – there has been a sponsor change, too – will run from December 4 to January 7, coinciding with the Christmas holidays. Also, the matches will mostly be played in the afternoons, and will be held at popular holiday spots – including Central Otago, Nelson and Mt Maunganui – to allow vacationing families to attend.The final will be played at the home venue of the top-placed team at the end of the round-robin stage – this team gains automatic entry into the final – to avoid poor attendances at the title match. In all, of the 32 games, 15 will be televised.Last year, the tournament was held from November 5 to December 13.NZC chief executive David White said of the changes: “There has always been a ‘happy days’ element to that time of the year and we think it’s perfect for attracting New Zealanders of all demographics – mums, dads, teen and tweens.”The twenty-over format is all about entertainment and having fun, and we have unashamedly built the competition around that.”