The New Zealand cricket team will carry the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) trophy — the mace — on a week-long, nationwide tour later this month.
After returning from England, the Kiwis couldn’t mix up with the crowd and even though the airport staff and security wanted to get a feel of the mace, COVID-19 restrictions did not allow them to get close to the players and the trophy.
The Kiwis will start the tour in Whangarei on Monday and will visit Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
During the tour, the public will have an opportunity to be photographed with the unique trophy and collect autographs and a team poster.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White said: “It has quickly become apparent that the Kiwis want an opportunity to be part of, and to share in this historic achievement.”
“We have been inundated with requests to do something so that New Zealanders can join in with the team and share the moment,” he added.
“At first, we thought the time-out in managed isolation and the length of time since the win would dampen enthusiasm for a public celebration, but we have been persuaded to think again,” he said further.