Devon Conway, Finn Allen Opt Out of New Zealand Central Contract to Pursue Opportunities in Franchise Cricket

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Devon Conway and Finn Allen become the latest to decline their New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central playing contracts as the Blackcaps pair look to pursue opportunities in franchise cricket in the upcoming season.

Conway and Allen follow the likes of Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson in players opting out of their annual contracts with nation's board to explore chances of appearing in franchise-based T20 leagues across the world.

Veteran batter Conway has declined the opportunity for a central playing contract and will instead opt for a casual playing contract over the next 12 months to play in South Africa's domestic T20 competition - SA20 at the start of next year.

The 33-year-old, however, has still made himself available for all of New Zealand's upcoming Test matches as well as next year's ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Conway has been offered a casual playing contract similar to the one offered to Williamson.

Conway will be available for all of New Zealand's assignments except the the six white ball games against Sri Lanka in January and hopes to continue playing for his country into the future.

"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 Black Caps 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."

Allen meanwhile, will not be offered a casual playing contract after he also chose to decline the option of a central playing contract. The hard-hitting batter will still be available for selection for New Zealand on a case-by-case scenario.

Conway and Allen were among the 20 players offered central playing contracts by NZC earlier this year, and now the board will look to to announce replacements for the pair on the central playing contract list in due course.

Earlier, former skipper Williamson as well as pacers Ferguson and Adam Milne had opted not to be part of the central contract in the new cycle. Boult also had opted out of the contract two years ago.