Mitchell McClenaghan To Play For New Zealand Again? Pacer Answers

Mitchell McClenaghan is one of the very big names who have turned their backs on their national teams in order to play franchise cricket all over the world. The left-arm pacer was an integral member of the New Zealand team while he was active in international cricket.

He made his debut in 2012-13 and had a stunning outing in his first ODI when he  returned excellent figures of 4 for 20 against South Africa. Few months later, he impressed in the Champions Trophy too when he picked up 11 wickets at an average of a shade over 13 although New Zealand failed to do well.

In 2014, Mitchell McClenaghan became the fastest New Zealand bowler – and the joint second-fastest from anywhere – to 50 ODI wickets, getting to the mark in only his 23rd match. He was part of New Zealand’s squad at the 2015 World Cup, but the depth of the team’s pace resources only allowed him one match during their stunning run to the final.

But in the following year, he played an integral role in New Zealand’s march to the semifinal of the T20 World Cup in India. But in August 2017, his international career came to a halt when he decided against taking a central contract from New Zealand Cricket to pursue a future in overseas T20 leagues.

Since then, he has been active in playing franchise cricket all over the world. Mitchell McClenaghan is one of the most popular faces in T20 leagues. He recently plied his trade for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League and would have played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL before the tournament was suspended till at least April 15.

Chances of international return:

Just 33, Mitchell McClenaghan still has a lot of cricket left in him. However, he has probably made up his mind about his future in international cricket. The New Zealand star, on Saturday, made it more or less clear that he won’t be making any attempts to return to international cricket.

He was interacting with his fans on Twitter when one of them asked:

“Will We Ever see Mitc McClenaghan back in Kiwi jersey?”

https://twitter.com/Pricd05/status/1241293562047651840

In reply, Mitchell McClenaghan wrote: “Not likely”

Not likely

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) March 21, 2020