6 prominent New Zealand cricketers who have declined central contracts ft. Devon Conway
Opening batters Devon Conway and Finn Allen recently opted out of New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) central contracts to focus on franchise leagues and similar T20 tournaments. Conway has opted for a casual playing agreement. The left-handed batter will be available for selection for New Zealand if he is not busy with his franchise commitments.
As per a report on New Zealand Cricket's official website, Conway has confirmed his availability for all of the team's international fixtures in the upcoming 12 months, barring the six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka in January.
The 33-year-old will thus be available for all nine of Kiwis' upcoming Tests, the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February, and the tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa before the ICC event. On the other hand, Allen has not been offered a casual playing contract and will be available for selection on a case-by-case basis.
Conway and Allen are the latest in the list of prominent New Zealand cricketers to have turned down central contracts. Here's a detailed look.
#1 Kane Williamson
In June this year, Kane Williamson, one of New Zealand's all-time greats, announced his decision to decline a central contract. Along with it, he also gave up the white-ball captaincy, having already quit as Test skipper earlier.
Opening up on the big decision, the 34-year-old said in a NZC release:
"Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I'm very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards. However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I'm unable to accept a central contract offer."
The former Kiwi skipper, however, reiterated his commitment to the national side and asserted that he was open to accepting a central contract in the future.
"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," Williamson added.
The right-hander has represented New Zealand in 100 Tests, 165 ODIs, and 93 T20Is, scoring over 18000 runs. He has also claimed 73 wickets with his off-spin.
#2 Lockie Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson is one of the fastest bowlers in international cricket among the present generation of pacers and has constantly clocked 150 kph when fit. He had also declined a NZC central contract along with Williamson.
The New Zealand cricketer made history during the 2024 T20 World Cup when he bowled four maidens against Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a group game. Ferguson's analysis of 4-4-0-3 is a record for the most economical spell in the men’s T20 World Cup history. He is also the second bowler after Saad Bin Zafar to not concede a single run in a men’s T20I game.
The 33-year-old has represented New Zealand in one Test, 65 ODIs, and 42 T20Is. Ferguson has claimed 99 one-day scalps at an average of 31.55 and 61 in T20Is, averaging 17.72 at an economy rate of 7.15.
#3 Adam Milne
Injury-prone New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne joined Williamson and Ferguson in declining a central contract for the 2024-25 season. The 32-year-old right-arm pacer has represented the Kiwis in 49 ODIs and 53 T20Is, claiming 57 and 61 scalps, respectively.
He was last seen in Kiwi colors during the third T20I against Australia in Auckland in February this year, claiming 1-20 in two overs.
#4 Trent Boult
Much before Williamson, seasoned left-arm pacer Trent Boult opted out of New Zealand Cricket's central contract in 2022. NZC agreed to release Boult from his contract after the pacer requested to spend more time with his family and to make himself available for T20 leagues.
"This has been a really tough decision for me and I'd like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point. Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I'm so proud of everything I've been able to achieve with the Black Caps over the past 12 years," Boult commented while declining a central contract.
Even after giving up his central contract, the 35-year-old represented New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. During the latter event, he confirmed that he would not play in any future T20 World Cups.
#5 Devon Conway
While confirming that he had opted for a casual playing contract with NZC, Conway asserted that the decision is the best one for him and his family at present. He was quoted as saying by NZC's official website:
“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."
Meanwhile, Conway has been signed up by Joburg Super Kings for the upcoming edition of SA20. The southpaw has the experience of 20 Tests, 32 ODIs, and 50 T20Is and has scored over 4000 international runs.
#6 Finn Allen
A hard-hitting top-order batter, Allen also refused a central contract along with Conway. However, he hasn't been given a casual playing contract and his availability for selection will be on a case-by-case basis. As per reports, he is set to join Perth Scorchers on a two-year deal in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The 25-year-old has represented New Zealand in 22 ODIs and 47 T20Is, scoring 582 and 1141 runs, respectively. In his overall T20 career, he has 3544 runs from 126 matches at a strike rate of 168.60, with three centuries.