New Zealand ace pacer and test skipper Tim Southee feels that Kane Williamson and Devon Conway will miss a lot of cricket for the Kiwis despite turning down central contracts.
Big stars Devon Conway, and Kane Williamson have recently turned down New Zealand central contracts. Apart from them, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, and Finn Allen have also declined central contracts offered by New Zealand Cricket.
While speaking at the CEAT cricket awards in Mumbai, Southee shared his thoughts on the raging money vs country debate.
While asked if he sees any solution to the problem, the pacer replied, “I don’t have the answers. Right now, I don’t think many people do. So I think it’s about working out what’s best for each individual board and their players.”
“New Zealand Cricket seems to think that’s the best way for the next 12 months. I don’t think Kane and Devon will miss a lot of cricket for New Zealand. So for them to have the flexibility in doing that, but still also be committed to New Zealand, which I think that’s where the casual playing agreement comes in.”
While speaking about the growing culture of T20 franchise leagues across the league, the 35-year-old commented, “So at this stage, obviously the franchise leagues and the franchise world is growing.”
“It would be nice to see the international [boards] and the leagues working together in some way because, especially Test cricket, I think for a lot of players is still the pinnacle of the format.”
Devon Conway has opted out of the central contract and taken up casual playing cricket. Meanwhile, Allen will be joining Perth Scorchers on a two-year deal.
Many international cricketers and senior players are options for T20 cricket ahead of the red ball format and Southee asserted that Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport.
“Format-wise, I think Test cricket is still the pinnacle for me and the format I hold closest to the heart. I really enjoy the T20, the Hundred format keeps you young, keeps you guessing, keeps you thinking and trying to improve your game, and your skill set, which helps across the other formats.”
Opting out of the central contract, Williamson is free from the hectic schedule of New Zealand’s 2024-25 home season and will focus on the World Test Championship.
