The former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is expected to miss the Black Caps' two-test tour to Zimbabwe next month after once again turning down a key contract with New Zealand Cricket. In order to play in T20 and other leagues worldwide, Williamson also chose not to accept a central contract last year. In 2024, he played in nine of New Zealand's 13 tests, scoring over 1,000 runs, despite signing a casual deal last year.

Along with Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson, who are all participating in T20 competitions abroad, Williamson was not included in the list of 20 contracted players that New Zealand Cricket announced on Tuesday. He is anticipated to sign a casual deal once more. Tim Southee, who has retired, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, Josh Clarkson, and all-rounders Muhammad Abbas and Zak Foulkes, wicketkeeper Mitch Hay, and spinner Adi Ashok are signed for the first time.

Williamson now plays for the London Spirit in The Hundred and Middlesex in the English County Championship and T20 Blast. When New Zealand faces Zimbabwe in late July and early August, he is anticipated to have county obligations. Williamson stated that his future on a casual contract is "just a work in progress and New Zealand Cricket have been great with working with that and I´ve been fortunate throughout" during a press conference held in London last month.

Based on their domestic and international performances during the previous 12 months, the 20 contracted players were ranked.

"The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said.

"These players have shown they can compete at the highest level and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. We´re thrilled to see this group drive our team forward."

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