Former Pakistani batsman Basit Ali has warned that the popularity of T20 cricket and franchise leagues could damage traditional formats of the game.
Basit Ali has reacted to the decision of New Zealand players Devon Conway and Finn Allen to terminate their central contracts and added that more international cricketers could follow this trend.
On 15 August, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Devon Conway and Finn Allen had turned down central contracts to pursue opportunities in franchise leagues.
Conway has opted for a casual contract for next year, while Allen will be available for selection by the Blackcaps on a case-by-case basis.
Previously, former captain Kane Williamson and players Adam Milne and Lockie Ferguson opted to terminate their central contracts with New Zealand Cricket.
Left-handed bowler Trent Boult and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham have also turned down domestic contracts in 2022 to explore better opportunities in franchise leagues.
India is very lucky in this matter – Basit Ali
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali spoke about the trend of players terminating central contracts.
He added that this issue is not limited to New Zealand but will also affect other cricketing nations. Ali noted that India will not allow players to participate in other T20 leagues.
“Conway has said that he will not play the Sri Lanka series. This is not a problem unique to New Zealand. In future, other teams will also face a similar situation. Pakistan players will also face it. This is because a lot of money has come into franchise cricket. There is a phobia about franchise leagues. India is very lucky in this matter. They do not play T20 tournaments apart from the IPL,” Basit Ali said.
– Williamson rejected Central contract- Boult rejected Central contract- Ferguson rejected Central contract- Allen rejected Central contract- Conway will play on a casual playing contract
BIG CHANGES IN NEW ZEALAND CRICKET….!!!! pic.twitter.com/rLkGYsWilx
—Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 15, 2024
The 53-year-old expressed his concern over the future of international cricket. Ali said that cricket-playing nations, except India, will suffer because of T20 cricket as players are choosing money over national duty.
“T20 is not going to stop cricket, it will destroy it, particularly Test cricket. For solid batsmen, who play long innings, this is poison. Except India, many more countries will suffer because of T20 cricket. Money will win, cricket will lose,” Ali added.
Devon Conway to miss six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka in January
Veteran New Zealand batsman Devon Conway has opted for an occasional playing contract. The left-handed batsman will be available for selection for New Zealand’s next nine Test matches.
However, Conway will miss six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka in January next year while taking part in the SA20 league.
The 33-year-old batsman will be available for the tri-series with Pakistan and South Africa and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
He has played 20 Test matches, 32 ODIs and 50 T20Is for New Zealand. Conway has scored over 6028 runs in 187 T20 matches at an average of 42.15 and a strike rate of 129.05.
