Changes to the status of two prominent Black Caps players with Devon Conway now on a casual contract and Finn Allen turning down a contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Conway who plays in all-formats of international play was this week selected in the Black Caps test squad for the overseas contests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, has confirmed his availability for all international fixtures in the upcoming 12 months, bar the six white-ball games against Sri Lanka in January.
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It means the 33-year-old’s available for all nine of New Zealand's upcoming test matches, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February, and the tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa as well.
The decision to offer Conway a casual playing contract was made after the left-hander committed to not only playing for the Black Caps outside this January’s window, but being available for key warm-up games ahead of the Champions Trophy, and scheduling breaks to manage workload issues.
Conway confirmed an opportunity to play in the next instalment of the SA T20 in January was the driving force behind the change to his NZC contract.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their support through this process,” said Conway.
“The decision to move away from a central playing contract isn’t one I’ve taken lightly, but I believe it is the best for me and my family at this present time.
“Playing for the Black Caps is still the pinnacle for me and I’m hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket.
“I’m excited to be part of the upcoming test squads for an important period in the ICC World Test Championship cycle and am looking forward to being involved in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February if selected.”
NZC CEO Scott Weenink said casual playing contracts were only offered on a discretionary basis but that Conway’s overall playing record, combined with his commitment to be available for the vast majority of Black Caps games, sealed the deal.
Meanwhile, short-format batsman Allen has turned down a central contract offer to concentrate on franchise opportunities and has not been offered a casual playing contract.
Allen will remain available for the New Zealand his selection for upcoming squads will be on a case-by-case basis.