The New Zealand Cricket has seen some amazing young talents over the last few years. Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and many others. After that, the New Zealand Cricket Board has taken a significant step. Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy receive their debut New Zealand central contracts, with Ajaz Patel making a comeback to the list.
Maiden Central Contract for Rachinm Ravindra:
Following a remarkable season with the New Zealand cricket team, Rachin Ravindra has been awarded his inaugural International Playing Contract by New Zealand Cricket for the 2024-25 season. He joins three other newcomers on the contract list. Ravindra’s standout performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup saw him finish as the tournament’s fourth-highest run-scorer, tallying 578 runs.
 His impressive display extended into other formats during New Zealand’s summer, culminating in him being honored as the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for 2023 in January. Just months later, Ravindra made history by becoming the youngest recipient of the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards, underscoring his rapid rise and promising future in international cricket.
After receiving the award, Rachin Ravindra opened up. He said, “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 Blackcaps.”
Other Candidates for the Central Contracts:
Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy have also secured central contracts alongside Rachin Ravindra. Sears, who played 11 T20Is for the Blackcaps last season, took 13 wickets at an average of 22. He made a memorable Test debut against Australia, claiming a four-for in the second innings and was a reserve player during the T20 World Cup 2024.
O’Rourke debuted in all three formats for New Zealand, featuring in two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. His outstanding Test debut included taking 9/93, contributing to New Zealand’s historic Test series win against South Africa. Duffy, with experience in 14 T20Is and six ODIs, recently played in the drawn T20I series against Pakistan in April. Azaz Patel also joined the list.Â
Sam Wells’ Words:
After offering the central contracts to the youngsters, New Zealand selector Sam Wells opened up. He said, “It’s especially exciting for Ben, Jacob, Rachin and Will to receive their first contract offers, and well deserved following their hard work and performances. These younger guys are the future of the team and it’s been encouraging to see their progress on the international stage.”
Later he added, “ We’re producing international-ready Blackcaps and we’re pleased with the current depth. The strength of the list is perhaps best measured by the quality of some of the players who weren’t offered contracts.”
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