Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson Join New Zealand's 2024-25 Central Cricket Contracts Amid Notable Absences

Apr, 8 2025

New Zealand Cricket is shaking things up for the 2024-25 season by introducing fresh talent to its central contracts. Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson are the new names in the 20-player list, stepping in for Devon Conway and Finn Allen, who have chosen the glitzy path of T20 leagues instead.

New Faces: Smith and Clarkson

Let's talk about Nathan Smith first. This guy has been the star of the Plunket Shield, leading the charts as the top wicket-taker with 33 scalps at a stunning average of 17.18 for Wellington. Coach Gary Stead is excited about him, pointing out his promising future in international cricket. Smith's red-ball prowess has caught everyone's attention, and with the potential he’s shown, it’s easy to see why Stead’s keen on having him around.

Then there's Josh Clarkson, who's been on the radar since his international debut in 2023 against Bangladesh. With nine white-ball matches under his belt, he’s already shown he can swing both the bat and the ball effectively. Stead thinks he's got a lot to offer, especially with the busy white-ball schedule ahead.

Departures: Conway and Allen's New Ventures

Now, about those who've stepped away from the scene: Devon Conway and Finn Allen. Conway isn't completely gone – he’s sticking around for the important stuff like Test matches and the 2025 Champions Trophy but he's eyeing the SA20 League with the Joburg Super Kings for other adventures. Finn Allen has his sights set on the BBL with the Perth Scorchers, leaving a little gap back home that New Zealand Cricket will fill on a case-by-case basis when it comes to his eligibility.

There’s another big name missing – Kane Williamson. He's taking a backseat this time, declining a central contract but is open for selections in the future. Other absences include speedsters Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne, with Neil Wagner retiring from the game.

The final squad also boasts names like Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee, and others who've held their ground in New Zealand's cricket landscape for a while now. Coach Gary Stead is positive about the new mix, and he’s betting on Smith and Clarkson to provide much-needed depth in a jam-packed schedule.