Conway offered casual contract, Allen declines New Zealand deal

Devon Conway and Finn Allen have become the latest New Zealand players to turn down central contracts, but Conway has signed a casual agreement similar to Kane Williamson and has made himself available for all internationals except for the Sri Lanka white-ball matches in January when he will take up an SA20 deal.

ESPNcricinfo understands that Conway is set to play for Joburg Super Kings in what will be his first appearance in South Africa since leaving the country and moving to New Zealand in 2017.

Allen, the hard-hitting white-ball opener, will pursue franchise opportunities and has not been offered the same agreement by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) although remains eligible for selection on a case-by-case basis. ESPNcricinfo understands that Allen is expected to sign for the BBL. Both Conway and Allen had been included in the contract list last month and will now be replaced.

Conway, who has been named in the Test squad to face Afghanistan and Sri Lanka next month, is available for all of New Zealand's nine upcoming Tests and has also committed to warm-up matches ahead of the Champions Trophy in February which include an ODI tri-series in Pakistan.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their support through this process," Conway said. "The decision to move away from a central playing contract isn't one I've taken lightly, but I believe it is the best for me and my family at this present time.

"Playing for the Blackcaps is still the pinnacle for me and I'm hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket.

"I'm excited to be part of the upcoming Test squads for an important period in the ICC World Test Championship cycle and am looking forward to being involved in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February if selected."

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink reiterated that casual contracts were only an option for a select number of the leading players but believed it was a prudent way to manage the evolving landscape of franchise cricket.

"We're delighted with Devon's decision to commit to the Blackcaps - he's a quality player who's made a strong contribution to the team over the past few years," he said. "In the current environment it's important to have flexibility in our system to navigate some of the challenges posed by franchise cricket - and this is another example of how we're working hard to retain our best players."

Speaking last month, Test vice-captain Tom Latham said that New Zealand had to be flexible with their contracting system.

Conway and Allen join Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne in moving away from central contracts although Williamson, who will also play the SA20 in January, has not ruled out taking one in the future.

Under the NZC system, to be eligible for a central contracts players need to make themselves available for the domestic Super Smash tournament when they aren't playing international cricket.