Devon Conway on the left and Finn Allen on the right. (FILE)
After Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson now Devon Conway joins the list of players to deny New Zealand’s central contract. Instead, the southpaw has opted for a casual playing contract for the next 12 months.
“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,” Conway said.
The 33-year-old declined the central contract to play in the SA20 league in January next year. “Firstly, I’d like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their support through this process,” he would say.
However, Conway is also hopeful to participate in all the upcoming Test matches for New Zealand and Champions Trophy 2025. “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,” Conway said.
“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,” he added.
Additionally, young Finn Allen has opted out of the contract. However, he will not be provided with a casual contract. His selection will be decided based on a case-by-case scenario.
Earlier talisman Williamson has stepped down as white-ball captain after the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup and has also declined the national contract for the 2024-25 season.
However, he assures his commitment to the Blackcaps going forward whenever needed and also leaves the door open to potentially accepting the central contract in the future.
“The 33-year-old has opted to take advantage of a particular set of circumstances this summer in which very little international cricket is being played in New Zealand during the January window,” stated New Zealand Cricket in their statement at the time.
