"Not a good sign": Kamran Akmal blasts New Zealand Cricket for no action against players declining central contracts

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has raised concerns about the growing trend among New Zealand cricketers to decline central contracts, and he believes that this trend could have damaging effects on international cricket.

Kamran Akmal highlighted that prominent players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, and Finn Allen have recently opted against taking central contracts with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He pointed out that their refusal to accept the NZC contracts to focus on T20 cricket is a worrying sign for New Zealand and international cricket.

Kamran Akmal warns of damage to international cricket as New Zealand players reject central contracts

Earlier, Lockie Ferguson also denied the central contract and the Pakistani keeper Kamran Akmal described this move as problematic for the game. He criticized this trend as a sign that players are increasingly prioritizing personal preferences and franchise cricket over national duty and pride.

Kamran Akmal suggested that NZC’s failure to address this issue with strong actions has led to a situation where players might feel they can avoid central contracts while still participating in international matches and playing league cricket across the world.

Kamran Akmal said on his YouTube channel: “New Zealand players do not like to take the central contracts. And I saw that it is not good for international cricket. It is not good for any country. A player like Devon Conway refused to take the central contract. Finn Allen, who only plays T20 cricket, has left his NZC contract. He is saying that he will not take the annual contract.”

Akmal added, “Before that, Boult and Ferguson did not take the central contract. After the T20 World Cup 2024, Williamson has refused to take central contract. So, it is not a good sign for New Zealand. It means that they are playing international cricket only for enjoyment. They are not giving much importance to the pride of the country. So, this is not a good sign.”

This problem will be seen in other countries as well: Akmal

He expressed his concerns that this trend could potentially spread to other cricketing nations if not addressed properly. Kamran Akmal believes that stricter actions from New Zealand Cricket, particularly following Boult's decision, might have prevented the current situation.

Furthermore, the veteran cricketer expressed concern that this pattern of opting out of central contracts while continuing to play in various leagues could undermine the competitive spirit of international cricket.

Kamran Akmal added, “This problem will be seen in other countries as well. When Boult refused to take the central contract, I think NZC should have taken strict action. That they would never bring him back to the international team. So, it is NZC’s mistake.”

The Pakistani cricketer further noted that everyone knows that they will play international cricket even after refusing the annual contracts, as the NZC didn’t take any action against their players, so they will now continue playing league cricket and will skip the international series.

In the end, Akram noted that 5-6 players have taken the decision not to accept the NZC contract, so it is not a good sign for New Zealand cricket, and now the board must take strong actions if they want to save their game and pride amidst the ever increasingly competitive world.