Wellington, July 10 (Udaipur Kiran): Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy have been offered their first central contracts by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has also returned to the contract list. Meanwhile, fast bowler Adam Milne, along with Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson, has declined a contract, and Blair Tickner has been dropped from the 20-player list.
Ravindra emerged as the breakout star of the 2023 ODI World Cup, scoring 578 runs. He then went on to score his first Test century against South Africa in Mount Maunganui, converting it into a 240-run innings. He also became the youngest winner of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal as New Zealand’s Men’s Player of the Year in March.
Expressing his delight at receiving a central contract, Ravindra said via New Zealand Cricket (NZC), “Growing up, you see those contract lists every year and think it would be nice to be on that list someday – and now being on it is a pleasure for me. The past 12 months of playing international cricket have been incredible. I have learned a lot and am definitely hungry to improve and contribute to the Blackcaps.”
Fast bowlers Sears and O’Rourke made an impact on their Test debuts last season. O’Rourke took nine wickets against South Africa in Hamilton, while Sears claimed 4 for 90 against Australia in Christchurch. Sears has also been a regular member of the T20 team, and O’Rourke has debuted in both white-ball formats.
Jacob Duffy, 29, is not a regular in New Zealand teams and has yet to make his Test debut. Since his debut in 2020, he has played in six ODIs and 14 T20s. Last season, he took 31 wickets in the Plunket Shield at an average of 24.41.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells said, “It is especially exciting for Ben, Jacob, Rachin, and Will to receive their first contract offers, and it is well deserved after their hard work and performances. These young players are the future of the team, and it is encouraging to see their progress on the international stage.”
Patel’s return to the contract list reflects New Zealand’s upcoming Test-heavy schedule, including overseas tours against Afghanistan (one Test), Sri Lanka (two Tests), and India (three Tests). They will also play a three-match home series against England in December.
With Williamson declining the contract, New Zealand will need a new white-ball captain. Despite being left out of the Test team last season, top-order batsman Henry Nicholls has retained his contract. Kyle Jamieson is currently recovering from another back injury diagnosed in February, which could sideline him for a year.
New Zealand’s Central Contract List for 2024-25:
- 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
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.