NEW DELHI: For the 2024-2025 season, New Zealand opener Devon Conway has chosen to sign a casual rather than a central contract, giving him the freedom to participate in the SA20 league in South Africa in January.
Conway, a native of Johannesburg, has participated in 20 Tests, 32 ODIs, and 50 Twenty20 matches since earning a spot for New Zealand in 2020.According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), he will be available for all nine Black Caps matches as well as the Champions Trophy the following year, as per Reuters.
“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,” the 33-year-old said in a news release.
“Playing for the Black Caps is still the pinnacle for me and I’m hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket.”
In the face of rich offers from Twenty20 leagues, NZC is trying to retain their finest players for the majority of the season, and Conway is the latest in the group to be handed a casual contract, joining former captain Kane Williamson, who will also play in SA20.
“In the current environment it’s important to have flexibility in our system to navigate some of the challenges posed by franchise cricket,” said Scott Weenink, NZC chief executive.
The 15-man team for the September two-match series in Sri Lanka and a single Test against Afghanistan includes Conway and Williamson.
Finn Allen, another Black Caps opener, has declined a central contract, following in the footsteps of other internationals Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne. He will be eligible for selection on a match-by-match basis.
NZC indicated that two players who are still to be named will be awarded central contracts to take Conway and Allen’s places.
Conway, a native of Johannesburg, has participated in 20 Tests, 32 ODIs, and 50 Twenty20 matches since earning a spot for New Zealand in 2020.According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), he will be available for all nine Black Caps matches as well as the Champions Trophy the following year, as per Reuters.
“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,” the 33-year-old said in a news release.
“Playing for the Black Caps is still the pinnacle for me and I’m hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket.”
In the face of rich offers from Twenty20 leagues, NZC is trying to retain their finest players for the majority of the season, and Conway is the latest in the group to be handed a casual contract, joining former captain Kane Williamson, who will also play in SA20.
“In the current environment it’s important to have flexibility in our system to navigate some of the challenges posed by franchise cricket,” said Scott Weenink, NZC chief executive.
The 15-man team for the September two-match series in Sri Lanka and a single Test against Afghanistan includes Conway and Williamson.
Finn Allen, another Black Caps opener, has declined a central contract, following in the footsteps of other internationals Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne. He will be eligible for selection on a match-by-match basis.
NZC indicated that two players who are still to be named will be awarded central contracts to take Conway and Allen’s places.
