Top-order batters Devon Conway and Finn Allen on Thursday turned down New Zealand central contracts to pursue a career in franchise cricket, announced the country’s cricket board. However, Devon Conway will be available for New Zealand’s international assignments through a casual agreement similar to the one Kane Williamson signed with NZC recently. It means that Devon Conway will play international matches unless they do not overlap his franchise commitments.
New Zealand cricketers Devon Conway and Finn Allen have made significant changes to their contracts with the national team.
Conway has transitioned to a “casual contract”, while Allen has declined a short-form central contract. Both players have expressed their interest in exploring franchise cricket opportunities as the primary reason for these alterations. Earlier this year, Kane Williamson, in a similar move, turned down the central contract for the 2024/25 season.
Devon Conway opts for casual contract, unavailable for Sri Lanka series while Finn Allen opts for franchise cricket
As mentioned, Devon Conway has chosen a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NCZ), making him unavailable for the white-ball games against Sri Lanka in January. This matches coincide with the SA20 tournament which features Conway. Despite this change, the star Kiwi opener will be available for New Zealand’s upcoming Test matches as well as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
On the other hand, white-ball batter Allen has rejected a central contract offer from the cricket board to focus on franchise opportunities.
NZC confirmed that Allen has not been offered a casual playing contract but will remain available for the Black Caps. His selection for future squads will be determined on a “case-by-case basis”, as per the cricket board.
Devon Conway expressed gratitude toward NZC for the support during this transition. He stated that his decision to move away from a central playing contract was not taken lightly, but he believes it is best for him and his family at this time. Despite these changes, representing New Zealand remains his ultimate goal. Former Pakistan player Basit Ali has been worried on the future of international cricket with growing interests in franchises.
Basit Ali worried over game’s future after Devon Conway and Finn Allen decline central contract to play franchises cricket T20 Leagues
Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali reckons the growing popularity of T20 and franchise leagues will destroy cricket and prove to be a poison for players in the traditional mold. He made the grim prediction while reacting to the news of New Zealand cricketers Devon Conway and Finn Allen opting out of central contracts.
On Thursday, August 15, news reports confirmed that the Kiwi pair of Devon Conway and Allen had declined central contracts to explore better opportunities in franchise leagues. While Devon Conway has opted for a casual playing contract over the next 12 months, Allen will be available for selection for New Zealand on a case-by-case basis.
On his YouTube channel, Basit opined that the issue of players giving up central contracts is not restricted to New Zealand alone and will affect other cricket nations as well; India being an exception. He commented:
“Conway has said that he will not play the Sri Lanka series. This is not New Zealand’s issue alone. In times to come, other teams will also face a similar situation. Pakistan players will do this as well. This is because so much money has come into franchise cricket. There is phobia over franchise leagues. India is very lucky in this matter. They don’t play T20 tournaments other than the IPL.”
Raising serious concerns over the future of international cricket in the wake of growing instances of players choosing franchise leagues and money over national duty, the 53-year-old added:
“T20 is not going to stop, but will destroy cricket, Test cricket in particular. For solid batters, who play the long innings, this is poison. Barring India, many more countries will suffer due to T20 cricket. Money will win, cricket will lose.”
Before Conway and Allen, senior batter Kane Williamson and seasoned pacer Trent Boult had also given up their central contracts.
Devon Conway about his decision to give up central contract to play in T20 leagues
Senior Kiwi batter Devon Conway has declined a central playing contract and has taken a casual playing contract for the next 12 months so that he can feature in SA20 at the start of next year. The 33-year-old, though, asserted that he remains hugely passionate about playing for New Zealand.
“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,” the left-hander was quoted as saying by ICC’s official website.
Devon Conway has the experience of 20 Tests, 32 ODIs and 50 T20Is. In his T20 career, he has played 187 matches and scored over 6028 runs at an average of 42.15 and a strike rate of 129.05. The influx of T20 leagues is diminishing the significance of international cricket. Several renowned stars are opting for franchise cricket due to logistical and other reasons.
Devon Conway and Allen are the latest entrants on this growing list. As mentioned, Williamson has also declined the central contract. With Trent Boult also taking the same route, NZ could be in a spot of bother going forward.