Mitchell Sant Santos, the captain of New Zealand’s white‑ball team, has declined an offer from the Adelaide Strikers to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) so that he can remain available for the country’s upcoming Test series against India and Australia.
The offer was made by the Adelaide Strikers, but Sant Santos said he would not accept it because his priority is the international schedule. “New Zealand has an exciting and important cricket calendar ahead. The India team will visit for white‑ball and Test matches, and we will travel to Australia for a Test series. These are some of the biggest challenges in international cricket, and I want to stay with the New Zealand team for those series,” he told the New Zealand Herald.
He added that the BBL offer was attractive but would only be considered if it did not conflict with New Zealand’s commitments. “I’m happy about the offer, but I would only consider it if it didn’t force me to miss New Zealand’s obligations,” Sant Santos said.
New Zealand’s Test schedule runs from 22 October to 1 December, with two Tests against India, followed by a four‑match Test series against Australia in Tasmania. Sant Santos also noted that he does not wish to relinquish his leadership role. “I do not want to give up the captaincy. Discussions about the BBL opportunity have taken place, but I do not feel comfortable playing without a central contract as a captain,” he said.
Central‑contracted New Zealand players are required to be available for the domestic Super Smash tournament in January, which clashes with the BBL and South Africa’s SA20 competitions. Players who opt for a non‑central contract can play in foreign leagues while still representing New Zealand internationally.
“It is understandable why players choose non‑central contracts to earn more from foreign leagues, given the significant financial gap between international cricket and franchise tournaments,” Sant Santos said. “I still want to be part of New Zealand cricket and be involved in the country’s upcoming international matches and plans.”
New Zealand Cricket will continue to manage the team’s commitments across international and domestic competitions while balancing player contracts and overseas league opportunities.
Article and image source: kannadaprabha.com
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