New Zealand star batters Devon Conway and Finn Allen have declined the central playing contracts to pursue opportunities within franchise cricket.
Devon Conway and Finn Allen are not the first New Zealand batters to reject the central contract Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson declined the New Zealand national contract for the 2024-25 season. Apart from rejecting the central contract, Kane Williamson also stepped down as New Zealand’s limited-overs captain.
Conway rejected the central playing contract and instead opted for a casual playing contract over the next 12 months so he could play in South Africa’s domestic T20 competition at the start of next year.
But the 33-year-old will be available for the upcoming Test matches as well as next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and hopes to continue playing for his country into the future.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their support through this process. 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 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”, Conway said.
On the other hand, Finn Allen will not be offered a casual playing contract after rejecting the central playing contract. The right-handed batter will still be available for selection for New Zealand on a case-by-case scenario.
New Zealand Cricket is set to announce the replacement players for Conway and Allen on the central playing contract list in due course.
