New Zealand may still have to stage the 2000 CricInfo Women's World Cup but plans are also underway to look beyond that event.

Today's release of the draw for the State Insurance Cup series in the New Year has highlighted the opportunities for New Zealand's emerging players.

New Zealand women's selection convener Lesley Murdoch said today that with national stalwarts Debbie Hockley and Catherine Campbell announcing at the end of the last season they had played their last games for Canterbury the chance was there for players to stake a claim for the future.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for them and I am expecting we will have a really State Insurance Cup competition this season," Murdoch said.

"Auckland may hold the trophy but this is a great chance for teams to have the sniff of opportunity to take it off them," she said.

The series has also acknowledged the role Northern Districts, especially, has played in developing young cricketers in the region.

Two games will be played in Whangarei, which is believed to be a first.

But Murdoch said that would give local players like fast bowlers Louise Milliken and Nicola Brown to show their wares in home conditions and on hard tracks.

"It is great to give them home games on hard tracks and to take the game to new areas," she said.

While the CricInfo Women's World Cup was the initial focus this summer plans were underway to ensure there would be life after the Cup and future international arrangements are being mapped out at the moment.

Another good feature of the season, Murdoch said, was the playing of the national Under-21 tournament at Ilam before the sides are selected for the State Insurance Cup.

"That will be great for young people looking to develop their game," she said.

© CricInfo