• Home
  • Cricket News
  • New Zealand Cricket Replaces Conway And Finn Allen With Two Domestic Stars In Central Contract

New Zealand Cricket Replaces Conway And Finn Allen With Two Domestic Stars In Central Contract

Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson (X)Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson (X)

In the latest news, Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson have been awarded central contracts by New Zealand Cricket for the 2024/25 season. It is important to mention that they have filled the vacancies left by Devon Conway and Finn Allen, who declined their contracts last month.

Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson's Impact In NZ Domestic Cricket

Josh Clarkson has already made a mark on the international stage with three ODI and six T20I appearances for New Zealand. His performances in domestic cricket and international white-ball formats over the last 12 months have earned him a spot on the central contract list for the first time.

Nathan Smith is yet to debut for the Black Caps but has been a standout performer in New Zealand's domestic cricket. 

He was the leading wicket-taker in the most recent Plunket Shield season. He claimed 33 wickets at an average of 17.18 for Wellington. 

The 26-year-old cricketer had a successful stint with Worcestershire in the English County Championship. He scalped 27 wickets and contributed with the bat, scoring three half-centuries. 

Despite suffering a hamstring injury that cut short his T20 Blast campaign, Smith's performances have been recognised with his first central contract.

With the inclusion of Smith and Clarkson, New Zealand's central contract list for the upcoming season is now complete with 20 players.

New Zealand Players That Have Opted Out Of Central Contract

Earlier, Devon Conway and Finn Allen had decided to opt out of New Zealand Cricket's central contracts reflecting a growing trend among cricketers that are prioritising the flexibility of franchise cricket over national commitments. 

This move by Conway and Allen was similar to the decisions made by other prominent New Zealand players, including former captain Kane Williamson and fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne, who also opted out of central contracts earlier. 

By doing so, these players have secured more freedom to participate in various franchise leagues around the world, which often offer higher financial incentives and more control over their playing schedules.

The New Zealand Cricket team will next play a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida before they travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests and then India for a Test series. 

New Zealand 2024-25 Central Contract List 

Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, 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, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young