Northern Knights

The Northern Districts men's cricket team are one of six New Zealand first-class cricket teams that make up New Zealand Cricket.

They are based in the northern half of the North Island of New Zealand (excluding Auckland). They compete in the Plunket Shield first-class competition, the Ford Trophy domestic one-day competition and the Men's Super Smash T20 competition as the Northern Brave. The T20 team was previously known as the Northern Knights until the 2021–22 season, when both the men's and women's teams were rebranded under the same name.

Northern Districts, the last of the six current teams to attain first-class status, joined the Plunket Shield competition in 1956–57. The six district associations that make up Northern Districts are the Northland Cricket Association, Counties Manukau Cricket Association, Waikato Valley Cricket, Hamilton Cricket Association, Bay of Plenty Cricket and Poverty Bay Cricket Association.

The Northern Knights are a prominent cricket team representing the northern regions of New Zealand, including Auckland, Northland, and other surrounding areas. Established as part of New Zealand's domestic cricket structure, the team competes in various national competitions such as the Plunket Shield (first-class), the Ford Trophy (List A), and the Super Smash (T20). Known for their talented roster of emerging and experienced players, the Northern Knights have a reputation for developing future international stars and delivering exciting cricket. Their home matches are primarily played at venues in Auckland, and they are recognized for their competitive spirit, strong batting line-up, and disciplined bowling attack. The team plays a vital role in New Zealand's cricketing landscape, fostering local talent and contributing to the country's success on the international stage.