For the 2024–25 season, New Zealand Cricket revealed the core contract list, which included 17 players. White Ferns hitter Lauren Down returned to the central contract list in the midst of the announcement.
Due to her maternity leave, the 29-year-old turned down the central deal last season. She has been included in the women’s ODI team from New Zealand, though, and they will be touring England in late June 2024. It’s important to remember that Down has participated in 13 T20Is and 28 ODIs. He last played for the team in an ODI match against Bangladesh in December 2022.
In addition, the players will have until June 17 to accept the contract offer, with the 2024–25 contract period starting on August 1. In addition to Down, the core contract list also includes wicketkeeper Polly Inglis. Following her outstanding performances for New Zealand A in three one-day matches against England A at home in March, Inglis was initially extended an offer.
We have a solid list of 17 names so far: Ben Sawyer
Following the release of the list, Ben Sawyer, the head coach of the New Zealand women’s team, took the stage to discuss how the board was pleased with the group of players chosen and how the 2025 ODI World Cup will play a significant role in determining which players would be given central contracts.
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We believe that the 17 names on our strong list will be significant players in the upcoming year. ESPNcricinfo cited Ben Sawyer as saying, “This year, a significant portion of the selection process involved considering who could compete in the 2025 ODI World Cup.”
Central contract offers to New Zealand women during 2024–2025
Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe and Lea Tahuhu
India
