(AFP Photo)
New Zealand Cricket has unveiled its roster of contracted players for the upcoming 2024-25 season, featuring a total of 20 players. Among the additions to this year’s list are fast bowlers Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, and Will O’Rourke, along with promising all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.
Rachin Ravindra, recognized for his standout performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, emerged as one of the tournament’s top scorers with 578 runs. His contributions extended beyond the World Cup, making significant impacts in Test and T20I formats, culminating in his recognition as the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for 2023 in January.
It’s Such A Special Group To Be In – Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra conveyed his joy upon receiving his inaugural BLACKCAPS contract, emphasizing it as a milestone moment in his career. The 24-year-old reflected on the valuable lessons he has gathered over the past year while playing international cricket.
“Growing up you’d see those contract lists come out each year and think it would be cool to be on that list one day – and for it to eventuate now is a pinch-myself moment. It’s been a really cool past 12 months playing international cricket. I’ve learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the BLACKCAPS,” Ravindra said, as quoted by Nzc. nz.
“It’s such a special group to be in, from players to support staff – and that’s been the most enjoyable part, to be honest. Playing a game you love with your mates for a living is something very special, and I hold it close to my heart,” he added.
Ajaz Patel rejoins the central contract list.
Ben Sears had a standout season with the BLACKCAPS in 2023-24. He marked his Test debut against Australia in March with an impressive performance, securing figures of four for 90 in the second innings. The 26-year-old pace bowler also earned recognition as a traveling reserve for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
In the past year, Will O’Rourke emerged across all formats, delivering a memorable Test debut against South Africa where he claimed figures of nine for 93. Meanwhile, Jacob Duffy secured his first international contract after 12 years, contributing with 11 wickets each in 14 T20Is and six ODIs for the Black Caps.
Ajaz Patel re-entered the central contract list amidst a demanding red-ball schedule, which includes upcoming overseas Tests against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India. This marks his return following previous contracts in the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. In contrast, fast bowler Blair Tickner did not receive a contract offer.
Key changes in the contract list also saw Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne opting out of central contracts. Williamson transitioned to a ‘casual playing contract’ for 2024-25 after stepping down as captain. Notably, Neil Wagner, absent from the central contract list for the first time since 2013, retired from international cricket in February.
The 20-man contract list for New Zealand now includes a mix of established players and emerging talents, reflecting the evolving dynamics within the national cricket team.
New Zealand’s 20-man contract list: Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, 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, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
