Pakistani wicket-keeper and batsman Kamran Akmal has expressed concern over the growing trend among New Zealand cricketers to reject central contracts, and believes this trend could have detrimental effects on international cricket.

Kamran Akmal highlighted that prominent players such as Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Devon Conway and Finn Allen have recently opted out of central contracts with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He said their refusal to accept NZC contracts to focus on T20 cricket is a worrying sign for New Zealand and international cricket.

Kamran Akmal warns of damage to international cricket if New Zealand players reject central contracts

Earlier, Lockie Ferguson also denied the centre-half’s contract and Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal described this move as problematic for the game. He criticised this trend as a sign that players are increasingly prioritising personal preferences and franchise cricket over national duty and pride.

Kamran Akmal suggested that NZC’s failure to address this issue with strong action has led to a situation where players may feel they can avoid central contracts while still taking part in international matches and playing cricket leagues around the world.

Kamran Akmal said on his YouTube channel: “New Zealand players don’t like to take central contracts. And I saw that it’s not good for international cricket. It’s not good for any country. A player like Devon Conway refused to take the central contract. Finn Allen, who only plays T20 cricket, has left his contract with NZC. He is saying that he will not take the annual contract.”

Akmal added: “Before that, Boult and Ferguson did not accept the central contract. After the 2024 T20 World Cup, Williamson refused to accept the central contract. So, it is not a good sign for New Zealand. It means that they are playing international cricket just for fun. They are not giving much importance to the pride of the country. So, this is not a good sign.”

This problem will also be seen in other countries: Akmal

He expressed concern that this trend could spread to other cricketing nations if not properly addressed. Kamran Akmal believes that stricter measures by New Zealand Cricket, particularly following Boult’s decision, could have prevented the current situation.

The veteran cricketer further expressed concern that this pattern of opting out of central contracts while continuing to play in various leagues could undermine the competitive spirit of international cricket.

Kamran Akmal added: “This problem will be seen in other countries as well. When Boult refused to accept the central contract, I think NZC should have taken strict action. Not to bring him back to the international team. So it is a mistake by NZC.”

The Pakistani cricketer further pointed out that everyone knows that they will play international cricket even after rejecting annual contracts as the NZC did not take any action against their players, so they will now continue to play league cricket and skip the international series.

In the end, Akram pointed out that 5 or 6 players made the decision not to accept the NZC contract, so it is not a good sign for New Zealand cricket, and now the board must take strong action if they want to save their game and their pride amid an increasingly competitive world.