In an exciting development, Rachin Ravindra has been awarded his inaugural New Zealand Cricket contract, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing career. The 20-player contract list also features contracts for his Wellington teammate Ben Sears, Canterbury’s Will O’Rourke, and Otago’s Jacob Duffy. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has also been included in the list after missing out on a contract in the previous year.
Ravindra’s inclusion in the contract list comes as no surprise following his impressive performances across various formats. The talented cricketer made a name for himself during the ODI World Cup in India, where he scored an impressive 578 runs. His standout performance continued in the Test arena when he scored 240 against South Africa in February, marking the highest maiden Test century by a New Zealand batter. Additionally, Ravindra’s exceptional rise in the T20I squad earned him the prestigious title of the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for 2023 and the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the New Zealand Cricket Awards, making him the youngest recipient of the award.
Expressing his excitement, Ravindra shared, “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 happen now is a pinch-myself moment.” He further added, “Playing a game you love with your mates for a living is something very special, and I hold it close to my heart.”
Meanwhile, O’Rourke’s contract offer follows his successful representation of New Zealand in all three forms of the game over the past year, while Sears, who debuted in Test cricket against Australia, earned his contract after playing 11 T20Is in the previous cycle.
Notable exclusions from the list include Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne, who had previously excused themselves from central contracts. Neil Wagner was also left out after retiring from international cricket earlier this year.
The 2024-25 central contracts list features a talented lineup of players, including Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Will Young.
With a promising roster of players securing contracts for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to an exciting year of cricket ahead.