When asked by the Herald for comment, NZC public affairs manager Richard Boock said the organisation will continue to adapt to the modern game, including with players\u2019 contracts.<\/p>\n
\u201cNZC understands the landscape for professional cricket is evolving rapidly and it continues to take a flexible and pragmatic approach to central contracting,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of next season\u2019s domestic T20 competition, with the assistance of Deloitte we\u2019re currently evaluating the different options available, including franchise models and the Super Smash status quo.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile this evaluation is progressing with purpose, we\u2019re not prepared to comment on likely outcomes until the process is completed.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo clarify, there is no uncertainty over whether NZC will have a domestic T20 competition next summer – the question is what form it will take.\u201d<\/p>\n
New Zealand\u2019s best and brightest talents being sought after overseas is nothing new, but the Herald understands lucrative multi-year deals are on the table in Australia, South Africa and the UAE for players to consider at the expense of national contracts.<\/p>\n
New Zealand Cricket could lose more centrally contracted players in the coming months. Photo \/ AFP<\/p>\n
NZC\u2019s central contracts dictate players must be available for the Super Smash if international cricket is not being played. <\/p>\n
With uncertainty over the Super Smash, though, players will face no choice but to look overseas, in order to not just earn more, but to play the highest possible standard of cricket.<\/p>\n
While Sky TV has acquired the rights to international cricket in NZ<\/a> from the 2026-27 summer onwards, the Super Smash is not part of that deal. <\/p>\n Unless a broadcaster enters with a late bid, the current situation will result in a minimalist production for the Super Smash \u2013 as is seen with NZC\u2019s coverage of the 50-over Ford Trophy and first-class Plunket Shield.<\/p>\n NZC has engaged Deloitte<\/a> to undertake a review into the domestic T20 situation, with the findings expected at the end of February.<\/p>\n Known as \u201cProject Bigger Smash\u201d, that review will assess the best option for the shortest format, with particular focus on the creation of a privately-backed franchise T20 competition in New Zealand, establishing a Kiwi entry into the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) or leaving the Super Smash untouched.<\/p>\n The issue has already caused significant friction within NZC, though.<\/p>\n In December, chief executive Scott Weenink resigned<\/a>, citing different views \u201con the future priorities for NZC, including the long-term direction of the game and the best role for T20 cricket in New Zealand\u201d.<\/p>\n As reported by Sport Nation, the terms of that review have since changed. Instead of making a recommendation one way or another, Deloitte will now simply outline the benefits of each option.<\/p>\n Should the organisation opt for a franchise model, a tight deadline would be in place to find investors, recruit players and put the foundations in place for the league to begin in January 2027.<\/p>\n Backed by the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA), as well as the six major associations \u2013 Auckland, Northern Districts, Central Districts, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago \u2013 the NZ20 concept<\/a> looms as the most prominent option for a franchise model.<\/p>\n However, the Herald understands that while the NZ20 is the preferred option for the majority of the NZC board, resistance from within \u2013 from one member in particular \u2013 is holding up proceedings.<\/p>\n With a number of investors having already shown interest in putting money into the NZ20, any further delays to the process could see them back out and look elsewhere. <\/p>\n Cricket Australia is also weighing up the future of the Big Bash League (BBL), with private equity a likely direction the competition will move in.<\/p>\n Given the lack of a franchise-style model, NZC has been forced to be flexible<\/a> in its best and brightest, as players look overseas for T20 contracts to earn the same as their international counterparts.<\/p>\n In 2022, Trent Boult opted out of his NZC central contract<\/a> to become a T20 freelancer. One year later, Boult signed the first NZC casual playing agreement<\/a>, leaving him free to chase franchise opportunities, but committing to the Black Caps for the 2023 World Cup in India.<\/p>\n And in the time since, more players have followed suit. <\/p>\n In 2024, Kane Williamson<\/a> and Devon Conway<\/a> both opted for casual contracts. Last year, they were joined by Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson. <\/p>\n That number expanded to five to allow NZC to pick players without contracts for this year\u2019s T20 World Cup. However, the pair of Adam Milne and Jimmy Neesham are not on casual deals, but were still picked for the tournament. <\/p>\n It is unclear as to whether or not next year\u2019s central contracts would follow suit, given the 50-over World Cup in South Africa. <\/p>\n By adopting a franchise model, while keeping every New Zealand international is not guaranteed, it would allow players to prioritise home contracts rather than chase overseas deals \u2013 even if it means earning less.<\/p>\n After spending the bulk of New Zealand\u2019s summer playing for the Perth Scorchers<\/a>, Allen made no secret that his time in Australia was in order to become a better cricketer, rather than earning money.<\/p>\nTrent Boult gave up his NZC central contract in 2022. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n