Cricket landscape is changing and a balance needs to be found quickly: Williamson

Sep 06, 2022

Cricket landscape is changing and a balance needs to be found quickly: Williamson Image

Kane Williamson, the captain of the New Zealand side, believes that as domestic T20 leagues are proliferating, there are numerous changes occurring in the global cricketing landscape that require a prompt resolution. 

In order to play in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL), two New Zealand cricketers — pace bowler Trent Boult and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme — have left the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract. Left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan has also expressed concern that senior players are not given enough credit by the nation's cricket governing body, which has led them to search for better opportunities.

Williamson claimed that because some players have chosen to forego central contracts, a balance needs to be struck between the Black Caps' national obligations and the lucrative domestic competitions. 

"The situation is challenging because it is dynamic. Williamson, who will captain the Black Caps in the three-match ODI series against Australia starting today, was reported as saying: "So much seems to have occurred so quickly." 

"There does appear to be movement in the game's environment. Every player's situation is distinct, and every situation has its own particular requirements at various phases of life.

The winning captain of the first World Test Championship (WTC) competition observed, "There are a lot of different franchise events going and seeing players make decisions on their playing careers... shows that there is a balance to strike and some things to work through." 

He is in charge of a 15-person team that includes Boult, who recently applied for release from the central contract with NZC. De Grandhomme, 36, is not a member of the team, having resigned from his contract with the Black Caps.

Williamson stated that he is not likely to make such a choice anytime soon on his future and whether he would be willing to leaving the NZC central contract. 

He stated, "Right now, I'm very much here and trying to give my very best for the squad. "I adore being a part of this setting."