Many New Zealand players are opting out of central contracts to play franchise cricket. The club vs country conundrum is hurting New Zealand cricket as the team has to play international cricket without some of its biggest players.

Meanwhile, recently Tim Southee spoke about the high-profile players who are turning down central contracts. Southee believes that the franchise leagues and the cricket board will work together and make a plan to solve the problem.

Right now my focus is on playing for New Zealand- Tim Southee

New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee said before leaving for India for the only Test against Afghanistan that the New Zealand Cricket Board is trying to consider what is best for both sides. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he said,

There are a lot of offers that weren’t there years ago. But yes, right now my focus is on playing for New Zealand and I’m giving it my all right now. We’ve seen a lot of people who haven’t got a contract, who are sitting on this plane with people who have contracts.

Former captains Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne are among the players who refused the central contract. At the same time, Devon Conway has opted for a casual contract.

The only Test match between New Zealand and Afghanistan will be played in Greater Noida from September 9. After the Test against Afghanistan, the team will play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in September. Then the Kiwi team will tour India for a three-match Test series.

New Zealand squad for Test series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka-

Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vice-captain), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Schedule of New Zealand’s upcoming Test matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka-

One-off Test against Afghanistan, September 9-13, 2024, Greater Noida

1st Test v Sri Lanka, 18-22 September 2024, Galle

2nd Test v Sri Lanka, Galle, 26-30 September 2024, Galle