New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the list of cricketers who were offered central contracts last month, with a few notable absentees including Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson, both of whom opted out of the contract. Everyone knows the reason behind this refusal to sign the contract with the Board for the upcoming season. But for some reason, no one wants to say it out loud, lest the grave consequences associated with it become true. Many knew it was about time that players would start shifting their focus to more lucrative franchise opportunities, but no one wanted this transition to begin so soon.
From what it seems, New Zealand are where this exodus is pioneering. Following the same path as Williamson and Ferguson, two more New Zealand batters have also turned their contracts down. On Thursday, the NZC released a statement announcing that Devon Conway and Finn Allen have opted to not accept the central contracts.
While Conway has been offered a casual contract similar to what Williamson was given, Allen will ‘focus on franchise opportunities’ without any sort of contract. New Zealand Cricket CEO, Scott Weenink, revealed that the casual contract was offered to the 33-year-old owing to his incredible record as a player.
“We’re delighted with Devon’s decision to commit to the BLACKCAPS – he’s a quality player who’s made a strong contribution to the team over the past few years,” said Weenink.
Weenink also stated that the introduction of such deals for the best players is how the Board is trying to keep their ‘best’ players in the circuit for selection.
“In the current environment, it’s important to have flexibility in our system to navigate some of the challenges posed by franchise cricket – and this is another example of how we’re working hard to retain our best players.”
Under the casual contract, Devon Conway has assured his availability for all of New Zealand’s International fixtures barring six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka in January 2025. During this time, the top-order batter will fly to South Africa to join Joburg Super Kings, who have recently signed him, for SA20. Interestingly, this signing was primarily the reason to walk away from the agreement with NZC.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their support through this process,” Devon Conway was cited to have said in the Press Release.
“The decision to move away from a central playing contract isn’t one I’ve taken lightly, but I believe it is the best for me and my family at this present time. Playing for the BLACKCAPS is still the pinnacle for me and I’m hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket.”
The all-format batter will also be available for New Zealand’s warm-up games as a build-up to Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
“I’m excited to be part of the upcoming Test squads for an important period in the ICC World Test Championship cycle and am looking forward to being involved in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February if selected.”
Finn Allen, although, will not be contractually bound, will remain available to be selected for the Men’s team on a ‘case-by-case basis’. NZC will name two players who will replace Conway and Allen in due course.
