Rachin Ravindra and Pace Bowling Trio receive first central contracts from New Zealand Cricket for 2024-25 season

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has revealed its 20-member central contract list for the upcoming 2024-25 season. New Zealand Cricket has added four new faces to the central contract list, including fast bowling trio Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, and Will O'Rourke, along with young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.

Rachin Ravindra showcased his talent at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The left-handed batter finished as the tournament’s fourth-highest run-scorer with 578 runs. Ravindra continued to impress during the Test and T20I matches and earned the ICC Emerging Player of the Year award for 2023 in January.

It's Such A Special Group To Be In - Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra expressed his delight at receiving his first BLACKCAPS contract offer, describing it as a special moment. The 24-year-old cricketer stated that he has learned a lot in the past 12 months in international cricket.

“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. 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," Ravindra said, as quoted by Nzc. nz.

“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,” he added.

Ajaz Patel Returns To The Cental Contract List

Ben Sears had a significant season for the BLACKCAPS in 2023-24. Sears made his Test debut against Australia in March and impressed with figures of four for 90 in the second innings. The 26-year-old pace bowler was selected as a traveling reserve in the squad for the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Will O'Rourke debuted across all formats in the last year. He claimed remarkable figures of nine for 93 in his Test debut against South Africa. Jacob Duffy earned his first international contract after 12 years. Duffy has played 14 T20Is and six ODIs for the Black Caps in his career, taking 11 wickets in each format.

Ajaz Patel returned to the central contract list amidst a busy red-ball schedule, including upcoming overseas Tests against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India. The left-arm spinner was previously contracted in the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. Fast bowler Blair Tickner did not receive a contract offer.

Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne opted out of central contracts. Williamson received a 'casual playing contract' for 2024-25 after stepping down as captain. Neil Wagner was absent from the central contract list for the first time since 2013 after retiring from international cricket in February.

New Zealand's 20-man contract list: 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.

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