After New Zealand's early exit from T20 World Cup 2024, captain Kane Williamson declines central contract to pursue 'overseas opportunity'

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has declined the central contract for the 2024-25 cycle. Williamson has said that his commitment to New Zealand cricket still remains undiminished but an overseas opportunity led to him declining the contract. The decision comes within days of New Zealand failing to make it to Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. It also means that he won’t captain the BlackCaps during the New Zealand summer. 
 

"Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I'm very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards," Williamson said. "However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I'm unable to accept a central contract offer.
 

"Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished. My life outside cricket has changed however - spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that's even more important to me."
 

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Exception for Williamson

While New Zealand have made it a point to give priority to centrally contracted players, an exception for World Test Championship (WTC) winning captain is likely to be made.

"This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the BLACKCAPS - both now and in the years to come," said CEO Scott Weenink. 
 

"We have very little international cricket in New Zealand through January and outside that period he's still available for the BLACKCAPS. NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the BLACKCAPS, however we're happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter - especially as he remains so committed to the team."

ALSO READ: WORLD RECORD! Indian-origin batter smashes fastest T20I century, whacks 18 sixes to leave Chris Gayle behind
 

Ferguson to refuse central contract too?

While Trent Boult has played his last T20 World Cup, it is also likely that 33-year-old Lockie Ferguson will also decline the central contract to play more franchise cricket. The final list of centrally contracted players will be released next month. Also, it will be interesting to see who takes over the reins from Williamson. 
 

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