Kiwi Cricketers Opt for T20 Leagues Over National Contracts, Impacting Team Availability: Tim Southee

New Zealand's cricket team faces challenges as players choose T20 leagues over national contracts, affecting team availability. Skipper Tim Southee notes that the trend, including former captain Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Finn Allen, complicates the team's preparation for an upcoming series. NZC seeks a player-friendly solution.

The rising trend of Kiwi cricketers forgoing national contracts to potentially ply their trade in T20 leagues has adversely impacted player availability for New Zealand, skipper Tim Southee admitted on Sunday.

The likes of former captain Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Finn Allen have joined a long list of players who opted for casual contracts, choosing franchise cricket over New Zealand Cricket's central contract.

''NZC is working with the players to find a solution that's best for both the players and New Zealand cricket,'' said Southee on the eve of New Zealand's one-off Test against Afghanistan.

''It's a small cricketing nation in terms of numbers. It would be great to have as many players as possible available, but the world is changing, and it's getting harder,'' he added.

New Zealand faces a challenging schedule with six Tests, including three against India, in the subcontinent, where conditions are vastly different.

''Conditions are foreign for us, but we're excited about playing six Test matches in the subcontinent,'' said the skipper.

With spinners set to dominate, Southee himself may miss a couple of games.

''It's tough. Spin will play a major role, and we have four quality pace bowlers. We'll take each match as it comes and manage our workloads,'' he explained.

The series is part of their World Test Championship duties, and New Zealand aims to wrap up their commitments before possibly hosting England for a Test series.

''Balancing a busy schedule is challenging, especially with multi-format commitments. We haven't played Test cricket in a while and are eager to get back,'' Southee noted.

The Black Caps won't underestimate Afghanistan, despite their inexperience in Test cricket.

''Afghanistan has been an improving side, and we saw during the T20 World Cup how dangerous they can be,'' said Southee.

(With inputs from agencies.)