Written by Vaibhav Tripathi
Despite declining a central contract, New Zealand pacer Trent Boult has made a commitment to make himself available for part of the national team’s playing program. Boult and New Zealand came to a mutual agreement in August of the previous year, releasing him from his central contract. This arrangement allows the 33-year-old bowler to participate in various domestic leagues around the world and prioritize spending quality time with his family.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Boult, while declining a central contract once again, will be committed to representing the BLACKCAPS for a portion of the playing program. This decision reflects his dedication to the national team despite not being under a formal contract.
“(Trent) Boult, while again declining a central contract, has committed to being available for the BLACKCAPS for part of the playing programme,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated while naming 20 players who have been offered central contracts for the 2023-24 season.
In another significant development, fast bowler Adam Milne has been awarded a central contract by NZC for the first time in five years. Milne’s impressive performances for New Zealand in recent months have earned him this contract. In the previous international season, the right-arm pacer featured in 16 matches in the white-ball format, taking 24 wickets, which included a notable 5-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in a T20I.
NZC recently announced the central contracts for the 2023-24 season, with a list of 20 players who have been offered contracts. Among the contracted players are Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.
The inclusion of Boult’s casual playing agreement and the return of Milne through a central contract bring a mix of experience and talent to the New Zealand national team, enhancing their bowling resources for future engagements.