Former captain Kane Williamson has been awarded a casual contract by the NZC for the 2024-25 cycle
All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has earned his maiden New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract after a breakthrough 2023, the cricket board announced on July 10 (Wednesday). Ajaz Patel, who missed out on the previous cycle, is also rewarded with a central contract for 2024-25. Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy are the other new faces in the 20-member annual international playing contracts.
Ravindra was brilliant in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where he finished as the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament with 578 runs, which saw him being awarded the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for 2023 and in March this year, he became the youngest recipient of the Sir Richard Hadlee medal at the NZC awards.
“Growing up, you’d see those contract lists come out each year and think it would be cool to be on that list one day – and for it to eventuate now is a pinch-myself moment,” Ravindra said.
“It’s been a really cool past 12 months playing international cricket. I’ve learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the Blackcaps. It’s such a special group to be in, from players to support staff – and that’s been the most enjoyable part, to be honest.
“Playing a game you love with your mates for a living is something very special, and I hold it close to my heart.”
Patel who previously held contracts in 2020-21 and 2022-23 has been included given New Zealand’s busy red-ball period that includes Tests against Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka and England.
Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne have declined central contracts. However, Williamson has been offered a “casual playing contract” for the 2024-25 season, and according to NZC “, he is set to feature outside the January window.”
Neil Wagner’s retirement has seen him not being offered a central contract for the first time since 2023, while Blair Tickner, who has played three Tests, 13 ODIs and 18 T20Is for the Blackcaps has not been offered a contract.
Selector Sam Wells congratulated the players, saying, “It’s especially exciting for Ben, Jacob, Rachin, and Will to receive their first contract offers, which are well deserved following their hard work and performances.
“These younger guys are the future of the team and it’s been encouraging to see their progress on the international stage. We’re producing international-ready Blackcaps and we’re pleased with the current depth. The strength of the list is perhaps best measured by the quality of some of the players who weren’t offered contracts.”
New Zealand central contracts 2024-25: Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.