New Zealand Cricket has suffered a setback with the decision of key players Devon Conway and Finn Allen to prioritise franchise cricket as they have pulled out of central contracts. New Zealand's veteran batter Conway has opted for a casual playing contract instead of a central one, allowing him to participate in South Africa's domestic T20 league early next year. Despite this decision, the 33-year-old remains committed to representing New Zealand in Test matches and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Conway expressed his desire to continue playing for his country in the future.
Devon Conway, Finn Allen decline New Zealand's central contract
Conway and Allen are the latest New Zealand cricketers to prioritize franchise cricket over national contracts. Their decisions follow a similar path taken by other key players like Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne, who have also opted out of New Zealand Cricket's central contract.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their support through this process,” Conway said, as quoted by ICC.
“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," he added.
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“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. 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,” he further stated.
Devon Conway is a vital player for New Zealand across all three formats of the game, having achieved the significant milestone of a century of appearances in Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals. Beyond his international commitments, Conway has proven to be a valuable asset for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. His success in the IPL has extended to the American Major League Cricket, where he represented the Texas Super Kings. With his recent decision to pursue a casual playing contract, Conway is likely to join the Johannesburg Super Kings in South Africa's SA20 league. Despite these franchise commitments, Conway remains an integral part of the New Zealand team. He has been included in the squad for the upcoming tour of Asia, which includes Test matches against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India. Following the Asian tour, Conway will be back home to face England in the summer.
Finn Allen also declines New Zealand central contract
In a similar move, Finn Allen has also turned down a central playing contract with New Zealand Cricket. Unlike Conway, Allen will not be offered a casual contract and his availability for the national team will be determined on a case-by-case basis. New Zealand Cricket is expected to reveal replacements for both Conway and Allen on the central playing contract roster in the near future.
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