Along with Kane, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has also turned down the national contract. A year ago, New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult, all-rounder Jamie Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme also decided to opt out of the annual contract. But why is this happening, players are hesitant to play for the country, let’s find out?

What is in the Central Contract of New Zealand Cricket Board?

New Zealand male cricketers get Rs 5 lakh per Test, Rs 2 lakh for ODIs and Rs 1.20 lakh for playing T20s. The salary of New Zealand players is less than that of Indian players. A big player like Kane Williamson gets a salary of Rs 2.5 crore every year after being signed. This does not include the fees received from T20 leagues.

NZ Central Contract Rules & Conditions: If a contract is entered into, what are the terms and conditions?

The New Zealand Cricket Board signs annual contracts with some players every year. Contracted players get a payment. Only contracted players are given priority for national team selection.

Contracted players must be ready to play Tests, ODIs and T20s for New Zealand. Barring injury or personal difficulty, it is the contracted player’s responsibility to drop everything and be available to play whenever called upon by the New Zealand team. However, once signed, they do not have the option of not playing.

Why are the players rejecting the New Zealand Board’s Central Contract?

It is mandatory to play for New Zealand for one year after signing the contract. T20 leagues have started all over the world on the lines of IPL. Playing in this league brings good earnings. But playing in this league takes time. However, due to the national team’s tours and matches, players cannot voluntarily participate in the league.

New Zealand players are turning down national contracts because they feel it is better to play in a T20 league for a month than commit for a year. After giving a certain month of availability to the league, they can devote the rest of the time to their family. Due to the money required to run the household, facilities and limited playing time, the number of players not accepting annual contracts is increasing.

Is it because of family time?

If you accept the national contract given by the New Zealand Cricket Board, you have to continue playing for New Zealand for one year. Therefore, players are not able to give enough time to family members. You cannot take your family members with the team on every tour i.e. while playing abroad.

Kane Williamson And his wife has three children. Kane has taken this decision to give time to two daughters and a son. Trent Boult also has three children, so he turned down the annual contract to give enough time at home.