August 15th 2024.
New Zealand Cricket announced that two of their top-order batters, Devon Conway and Finn Allen, have decided to turn down central contracts in order to focus on their careers in franchise cricket. This move allows them to have more flexibility in their schedules and pursue opportunities with various teams.
While Conway will still be available for international assignments with a casual agreement, similar to the one recently signed by captain Kane Williamson, he will prioritize his franchise commitments unless they conflict with national team matches. In a video shared by Blackcaps on the platform 'X', Conway expressed his gratitude to New Zealand Cricket for their support and mentioned that playing for the Black Caps is still his ultimate goal.
However, Conway also stated that the decision to opt out of the central contract was made in the best interest of his family. He acknowledged that it was not an easy decision, but believes it is the right one for them at this time.
New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink expressed his delight with Conway's commitment to the national team, calling him a quality player who has made a strong contribution in recent years. He also emphasized the importance of having flexibility in their system to navigate challenges posed by franchise cricket, and sees this as another example of their efforts to retain their best players.
Conway, who plays a crucial role for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, will now have the opportunity to explore other franchise options. On the other hand, Allen, who is not a regular in the IPL circuit, has other avenues such as Major League Cricket with the San Francisco Unicorns and stints with Southern Brave and Birmingham Phoenix in 'The Hundred' in England. Both players are excited about these new opportunities and are looking forward to making the most of them.
In recent times, New Zealand has seen other players like Williamson, Adam Milne, and Lockie Ferguson also opt for similar arrangements with the national team, showing the growing trend of players prioritizing franchise cricket. However, the Black Caps management remains committed to retaining their top talent and finding ways to make it work for all parties involved.
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