Tim Southee breaks silence on New Zealand players leaving their central contracts for franchise cricket

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has recently faced significant challenges as their several top players, including Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Trent Boult, have opted out of central contracts to pursue lucrative opportunities in T20 franchise leagues across the globe.

This growing trend has raised concerns about the balance between national duties and the attraction of franchise cricket.

Amid the intense debate about the same, New Zealand’s Test captain Tim Southee said that there is a need for collaboration between cricket boards and franchise leagues to address the increasing dilemma faced by players, who must choose between representing their country and securing financial stability through franchise leagues.

Tim Southee highlights the need for balance between national duty and T20 leagues

This issue has become particularly pressing for New Zealand, as Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, and Finn Allen, apart from Williamson, Conway, and Boult, also declined NZC central contracts to focus on their T20 careers.

Well, Tim Southee admitted that there is no clear solution to the current situation but emphasized the importance of flexibility in player contracts.

NZC’s approach of offering casual playing agreements allows star players like Williamson and Conway to remain available for most international commitments while still participating in the financially rewarding T20 leagues across the world, and Tim Southee hopes they will not miss many games for New Zealand.

The rapid extension of T20 franchise leagues across the globe has undoubtedly caused dark clouds in international cricket.

As these leagues continue to grow, Tim Southee highlighted the need for a coordinated effort between the boards and franchise organizers to find solutions for this issue and make sure Test cricket remains a priority for players.

I don't have the answers: Southee on NZC's challenge to find solutions to stop players

Tim Southee was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: “I don't have the answers. Right now, I don't think many people do. So, I think it's about working out what's best for each individual board and their players. New Zealand Cricket seems to think that's the best way for the next 12 months."

"I don't think Kane and Devon will miss a lot of cricket for New Zealand. So, for them to have the flexibility in doing that, but still also be committed to New Zealand, which I think that's where the casual playing agreement comes in,” Tim Southee added.

He added, “So, at this stage, obviously the franchise leagues and the franchise world is growing. It would be nice to see the international [boards] and the leagues working together in some way because, especially Test cricket, I think for a lot of players is still the pinnacle of the format," Tim Southee concluded.

Tim Southee also said that Test cricket is still the pinnacle for him, and this format of the game is closest to his heart.

However, Tim Southee said that he enjoys T20 cricket, but the Hundred format keeps the senior players young, guessing, thinking, and trying to improve their game and skill set, which helps across the other formats of the game.