New Zealand cricket in disarray as Devon Conway and Finn Allen decline central contracts for franchise cricket after Kane Williamson

After Kane Williamson, two New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Finn Allen have opted out of central contracts ahead of a busy cricketing season. Conway has opted a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), while Allen has declined a central contract to concentrate more on franchise opportunities.

Trent Boult and Martin Guptill declined national contracts to pursue franchise opportunities in 2022. Kane Williamson opted for a casual contract this year to participate in the SA20 2025. Devon Conway has been a key player for New Zealand across formats, while Allen is early in his promising international career.

I'd Like To Thank New Zealand Cricket - Devon Conway

Devon Conway has been included in the New Zealand squad for the Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. He has committed to all international games over the next year except for the white-ball matches against Sri Lanka in January. The left-handed batter will participate in the SA20, starting on January 9.

The 33-year-old thanked New Zealand Cricket for their support in his decision to opt for a casual contract. Conway said that he will play for New Zealand in World Test Championship matches and the Champions Trophy. He stated that playing for the BLACKCAPS is still the pinnacle for him.

"Firstly, I’d like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their support through this process. 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 BLACKCAPS is still the pinnacle for me and I’m hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket," Devon Conway was quoted as saying by NZC.nz.

"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.

Finn Allen Has Turned Down A Central Contract Offer - NZC

New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Finn Allen has declined the central contract offer to focus on franchise cricket. The statement added that he will not receive a casual playing contract but will remain available for selection with the BLACKCAPS on a case-by-case basis.

"Short-format batter Finn Allen has turned down a central contract offer to concentrate on franchise opportunities and has not been offered a casual playing contract. Allen will remain available for the BLACKCAPS and his selection for upcoming squads will be on a case-by-case basis," said New Zealand Cricket in a statement.

NZC CEO Scott Weenink explained that casual contracts are offered based on discretion. Weenink noted that Devon Conway’s contribution and commitment to most BLACKCAPS games influenced this decision. NZC will soon announce replacements for Conway and Finn Allen on the central contract list.

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