Canterbury have officially withdrawn from cricket's 2018/19 Plunket Shield after Friday's terror attacks in Christchurch.

With just one round to play, the Central Stags will retain the title and be presented with the trophy later this week at Hamilton's Seddon Park.

Canterbury were the only side capable of overtaking the Stags, with their final four-day match against the Wellington Firebirds scheduled to begin at the Basin Reserve on Sunday.

Canterbury Cricket CEO Jeremy Curwin said his organisation had conducted a fully consultative process with its players to allow them to make a decision, either individually or as a group.

"The team showed a united front in terms of the decision," said Curwin.

"It is clear that this tragedy will affect people in different ways, and Canterbury Cricket is here to support our players however we can.

"We fully respect their decision, and I am incredibly proud of how they conducted themselves throughout this process."

The competition's remaining two fixtures - between Northern Districts and the Central Stags and the Otago Volts and Auckland Aces - will proceed following consultation with all six major associations.



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