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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its 20-player central contract list for the upcoming season, with some exciting additions and a familiar face returning. Leading the charge are four newcomers, young gun Rachin Ravindra, pace bowlers Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy. All four have impressed in recent domestic seasons, and their selection reflects NZC's commitment to developing future stars. Among these exciting additions is the return of left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who regains his central contract after a brief absence. The biggest name on the list, however, is arguably Rachin Ravindra. After a breakout performance at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where he finished as the fourth-highest run scorer with a staggering 578 runs, Ravindra continued to shine in both Test and T20I matches throughout the summer. His meteoric rise was further acknowledged in January when he was named the ICC Emerging Player of the Year, and again in March when he became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards.
“Growing up you’d see those contract lists come out each year and think it would be cool to be on that list one day – and for it to eventuate now is a pinch-myself moment. It’s been a really cool past 12 months playing international cricket. I’ve learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the BLACKCAPS,” said Ravindra, as quoted by News 18.
“It’s such a special group to be in, from players to support staff – and that’s been the most enjoyable part, to be honest. Playing a game you love with your mates for a living is something very special, and I hold it close to my heart,” he added.
Ajaz Patel Makes a Comeback to Central Contracts
Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel is back in the fold after missing out on a central contract last year. This timely selection comes ahead of a packed Test match schedule, featuring away tours to Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India, followed by a three-match home series against England. Patel previously held central contracts in the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. Joining the established names are some exciting prospects. Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy are all set to receive offers for the upcoming year's International Playing Contract list. This quartet has impressed in domestic cricket. For example, Ben Sears, who played alongside Ravindra in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, already has experience with the national team, picking up 13 wickets in 11 T20Is during the 2023-24 season.
One of the new faces, 26-year-old pace bowler Ben Sears, has already begun making a name for himself. He debuted in a Test match against Australia in March, taking an impressive 4 wickets for 90 runs in the second innings. Sears' talent was further recognized by his inclusion as a traveling reserve for the New Zealand squad at the recent ICC T20 World Cup.
O'Rourke Earns Contract After Debut Season
Another exciting addition is Will O'Rourke. This past year saw his international debut across all three cricket formats, solidifying his place on the national team and earning him a well-deserved central contract offer. There are also some notable changes among players who held contracts in the previous season. Senior figures Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne have opted out of central contracts for the coming year. However, Williamson has been offered a 'casual playing contract' by NZC, allowing him to participate in the upcoming home summer season outside of the January window.
Departures from the Central Contract List
Veteran fast bowler Neil Wagner, who retired from international cricket in February, will no longer appear on the central contract list. Additionally, Central Stags bowler Blair Tickner was not offered a central contract for the upcoming year.
Players offered central contracts for 2024-25:
Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
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