ICC Clears South Africa-Born Devon Conway To Represent New Zealand

South African batsman Devon Conway might make his debut for New Zealand either against India A or Bangladesh if he is picked for one of the upcoming tours after the International Cricket Council (ICC) declared him eligible to play for his adopted country.

Conway is the second South African to seek a career outside in recent times. Just a few days ago Dane Piedt had left his native South Africa to seek a career in the United States.

The 28-year-old, who had left Johannesburg in September 2017 to make a career in New Zealand, was granted an exceptional circumstance dispensation by ICC, allowing him to play before his August 28 eligibility deadline.

Devon Conway Cleared By ICC To Play For New Zealand

“The Exceptional Circumstance dispensation means, should he be selected for the NZ A tour of India (starting August 15) or the Blackcaps tour of Bangladesh (starting August 12), he will be allowed to play in tour matches ahead of the August 28 deadline,” ICC said in a statement.

“It’s really awesome to have that solid date, 28th of August, as a reminder to say that you’re pretty close. In saying that, it doesn’t guarantee selection. So I am pretty pretty happy to hear about that,” Conway was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday.

A New Zealand Call Up Is On The Cards For Conway

Conway, who has amassed 1598 runs for Wellington Firebirds at an average of 72.63, with four centuries including an unbeaten 327 against Canterbury last October, might join the likes of Grant Elliott and Neil Wagner, who were also born and raised in South-Africa but went on to play for New Zealand.

However, Conway might need to wait longer for his New Zealand debut as both the tours are still uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put all cricket – and all sport – in suspension.

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