New Zealand Cricket has announced its contract list for the upcoming 2023-24 period, featuring 20 players who have been offered contracts. Among the notable names on the list is fast bowler Adam Milne, who has made a significant comeback after a five-year hiatus from earning a contract. Milne’s inclusion comes from his impressive performances in the T20 World Cups of 2021 and 2022, where he represented the Blackcaps.
Although Milne had been out of the national setup for nearly a year, he made a strong return, featuring in 16 white-ball games last season. His consistent contributions have earned him a possible consideration for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India later this year. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead praised Milne for his hard work and resilience over the past few years.
“Adam has worked exceptionally hard and shown great resilience over the past few years to be in a position to earn this contract offer. He has always been a top-class bowler, and we were impressed by his consistent contributions in the recent home summer and the tour of Pakistan,” Stead stated, as reported by New Zealand Cricket.
However, the contract list does have some notable omissions. Ajaz Patel, who made history by becoming only the third bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test inning, has been left out. This decision resulted from Patel playing only two Test matches last year, which didn’t meet the criteria for contract selection. Despite his remarkable achievement, Patel will not be part of the contracted players’ group for the upcoming period.
Additionally, the contract list does not include Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, and Martin Guptill. These players requested to be released from their contracts earlier. The Master Agreement stipulates that all players have until June 12 to accept or decline the contract offers made by New Zealand Cricket.
The contact list serves as a significant step in recognizing and rewarding the performances of New Zealand’s top cricketing talent. It provides financial security and stability to the players while ensuring their availability for national team duties. The selected players will be able to represent their country and contribute to New Zealand’s success in the upcoming cricketing calendar.
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As the deadline for accepting or declining the contract offers approaches, fans and players alike will eagerly await the final composition of the contracted players’ group. The decision-making process will play a crucial role in shaping the future of New Zealand cricket, with an emphasis on nurturing talent and building a formidable team to compete on the global stage.
Players offered NZC contracts for 2023-24: Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, and Will Young
