New Zealand team's homecoming ceremony put on hold

New Zealand Cricket Tuesday said an immediate homecoming ceremony for the national team has been put on hold due to players arriving in batches at different times.

New Zealand came agonisingly close to winning a maiden World Cup before England were crowned champions on the basis of their superior boundary count -- 22 fours and two sixes to New Zealand's 17 after both the regulation 50 overs and the super over of an epic final ended in ties.

"We've been in conversations with the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Grant Robertson, and are mindful of the Prime Minister's (Jacinda Ardern) enthusiasm for a welcome-home celebration," NZC chief executive David White was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

"At the moment, however, with some players arriving back at different times, some not arriving back at all, and others having alternative playing commitments, it's just not practical," he added.

White acknowledged the calls from New Zealand public for a grand welcome ceremony befitting the team's lion-hearted performance in the showpiece.

"Hopefully, given the interest surrounding this, we can organise something appropriate in the weeks to come."