Young New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, known for his impressive performances in the ODI World Cup, has been awarded his first central contract. The 24-year-old’s stellar year, highlighted by his maiden IPL appearance and numerous accolades, earned him a spot among the 20 cricketers offered contracts for the 2024-25 season. Other new additions to the list include Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy, signifying a fresh wave of talent in the New Zealand team.
New Zealand’s star batsman Kane Williamson has decided to forgo a national contract for the 2024-25 season and step down from white-ball captaincy to prioritize family time and pursue overseas opportunities. Williamson, considered one of the greats of modern-day cricket, will still be available for international cricket outside of January, when he plans to spend time with his family. This decision comes after New Zealand’s early exit from the T20 World Cup and allows Williamson to explore playing in various T20 leagues during the January window, when New Zealand has limited international commitments.
South African-born power hitter Colin Munro has retired from international cricket after failing to secure a spot in the Black Caps’ T20 World Cup squad. Munro, known for his aggressive ‘360-degree style’ batting, represented New Zealand in 122 white-ball matches and one Test, including the heartbreaking defeat in the 2019 World Cup final against England. Despite not playing for the national team since 2020, Munro held out hope for a return, saying, ‘I never gave up hope that I might be able to return off the back of my franchise T20 form.’ However, the announcement of the T20 World Cup squad prompted him to officially close the chapter on his international career.
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Irfan Khan have been ruled out of the ongoing T20 International series against New Zealand due to hamstring injuries. The duo sustained the injuries during the third match in Rawalpindi, which New Zealand won to level the five-match series 1-1. With wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan also ruled out, Haseebullah Khan is expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties for Pakistan in the remaining two matches.
