New Zealand’s performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was very poor and the team could not secure its place in the semi-finals. After being out of this important tournament, veteran player Kane Williamson resigned from the post of captaincy and also withdrew from the central contract.

Kane Williamson wants to participate in as much franchise cricket as possible but at the same time he has also said that whenever the New Zealand team needs him, he will be seen playing for his country. Not only Kane Williamson but New Zealand’s Trent Boult, Adam Milne and Lockie Ferguson have also removed their names from the central contract.

Tom Latham, who may be seen captaining New Zealand in ODIs, gave his opinion on the recent trend. Tom Latham said that cricket is going in a different route for New Zealand at this time. He said that whenever experienced players return to the team, it will be really great to see them playing, but apart from that, the central contract of the players is a matter of concern at this time.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Tom Latham said, ‘It seems to me that the direction New Zealand cricket is heading to right now is a slightly different place. Franchise leagues are coming up rapidly and this is affecting New Zealand cricket a lot. Everyone is in different boats and it seems very difficult to understand their future at this time.’

Tom Latham put forward his side regarding the captaincy of the New Zealand team

Tom Latham further said, ‘We have a lot of cricket to play this summer and the Champions Trophy will also be held and I am eagerly waiting for it. It will be great whenever the old players return to the team but at the moment things are not going well regarding their future.

If I am given the captaincy, I will feel honoured. Getting the captaincy of the New Zealand team will be a big thing for me. For me the team comes first. If I get this opportunity, I will feel very happy.