New Zealand fast-bowler Adam Milne has been awarded a central contract by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the first time in five years, recognizing his outstanding performances in the international arena.
Milne's inclusion in the contract list is a result of his highly productive season, during which he represented the Black Caps on 16 occasions (11 T20Is and five ODIs), taking 24 wickets at an average of 24. His exceptional figures of 5-26 in the second T20I against Sri Lanka marked the third-best T20I bowling performance by a New Zealander.
The 31-year-old, who made his international debut in 2010, has been an integral part of the New Zealand squad in the past two ICC T20 World Cup campaigns.
Coach Gary Stead expressed that Milne's central contract offer was well-deserved and reflected his unwavering dedication to representing New Zealand at the highest level. In a report on the NZC website, Stead praised Milne's hard work, resilience, and consistent contributions during the recent home summer and the tour of Pakistan.
"Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Blair Tickner have been retained in the central contract list after their mid-season inclusion last year, while Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, and Martin Guptill have requested and been granted releases," the NZC report stated.
Spinner Ajaz Patel, who was part of the contract list last year but played only two Tests in the given period, has not been offered a central contract this time.
Although Boult declined a central contract, he has committed to making himself available for the Black Caps in a partial playing capacity. Consequently, he has been offered a casual playing agreement.
According to the terms of the Master Agreement, the players have until June 12 to accept or decline the contract offers, providing them with an opportunity to consider their options carefully.
Players offered central contracts for 2023/24: 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, Will Young.