Devon Conway moves to casual contract, Finn Allen shifts focus to franchise leagues

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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New Zealand top-order batters Devon Conway and Finn Allen have decided not to accept central contracts for the upcoming summer. They are the latest Black Caps players following Kane Williamson and Trent Boult to decline central contracts in favour of focusing on franchise cricket.

‌New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on their official website that Devon Conway and Finn Allen have declined central contracts. NZC CEO Scott Weenink explained that casual playing contracts are offered on a discretionary basis. However, Conway’s impressive overall playing record, along with his availability to play for major New Zealand games led to the deal. Highlighting the importance of franchise cricket, he added, “ In the current environment it’s important to have flexibility in our system to navigate some of the challenges posed by franchise cricket – and this is another example of how we’re working hard to retain our best players.”

Conway was recently included in the Black Caps' Test squad for the overseas series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka and has now committed to being available for all international matches over the next twelve months, except for the three ODI and three T20I games against Sri Lanka starting December 28th in Mount Maunganui.

As a result, the South Africa-born will be able to participate in all nine of the Black Caps' upcoming Test matches, along with the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February, and the tri-series with Pakistan and South Africa that precedes it.

In a video posted by NZC on their Twitter handle, Conway said, “ I’m excited to be part of the upcoming Test squads for an important period in the ICC World Test Championship cycle and I am looking forward to being involved in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February if selected.” 

Meanwhile, Allen has turned down a central contract to focus on franchise cricket and won’t be given a casual playing contract. However, he is still available for Black Caps selection, which will be decided on a case-by-case basis. The replacements for Conway and Allen on the Black Caps' central contract list will be announced soon. 

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