Rachin Ravindra and New Players Get New Zealand Cricket Contracts for 2024/2025

Wellington [New Zealand], July 10: Rachin Ravindra has had an amazing year with New Zealand Cricket and has been rewarded with a central contract for 2024/2025. Other players like Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy have also been offered contracts. Ajaz Patel, a red-ball specialist spinner, has been given a contract after missing out last year.

Ravindra, who was named ICC Emerging Player of the Year for 2023, scored 578 runs at the Cricket World Cup 2023 and had a strong home season, including a double century against South Africa in the World Test Championship. Ravindra expressed his excitement, saying, “Growing up you’d see those contract lists come out each year and think it would be cool to be on that list one day – and for it to eventuate now is a pinch-myself moment. It’s been a really cool past 12 months playing international cricket. I’ve learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the Black Caps.”

Ben Sears joins the central contract group after playing in 11 T20Is and making his Test debut against Australia. Will O’Rourke made his first international appearances in all three formats last year, with impressive match figures of 9/93 in his first Test. Jacob Duffy has played in 20 white-ball matches for New Zealand, and Ajaz Patel is back in the squad for a busy Test period against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and England.

New Zealand selector Sam Wells congratulated the 20 players who received contracts, highlighting the hard work and performances of the younger players like Ben, Jacob, Rachin, and Will. He said, “These younger guys are the future of the team and it’s been encouraging to see their progress on the international stage. We’re producing international-ready Black Caps and we’re pleased with the current depth.”

Some players from the previous year, like Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne, have made themselves unavailable for contracts this season. Williamson, who stepped down as New Zealand’s white-ball captain, has been offered a casual playing contract. Blair Tickner and the retiring Neil Wagner also missed out on central contracts.

New Zealand Contracts for 2024/2025