Tim Southee reopens franchise vs country debate, wants both sectors to work together to solve issue

In recent years, multiple international players have opted out of central contracts to focus more on franchise cricket. Trent Boult started the trend in New Zealand and has recently been followed by Kane Williamson and Devon Conway. 

Considered to be one of the best batters of this generation, Kane opting out of the central contract to feature in more franchise-based tournaments was a shock for the fans. However, veteran pacer Tim Southee confirmed that even though he is not contracted, the star batter would feature for New Zealand regularly.

Southee also advised the international boards to work in tandem with franchise leagues to find a solution for the future of cricket. A lot of West Indies players have opted out of international matches to play for clubs and that is only going to increase in the coming times as the franchises can spend money more than some of the international boards.

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“Yeah, I think that is decisions (country versus franchise cricket) that each individual board are taking into account So at this stage, obviously the franchise leagues and the franchise world is growing. It would be nice to see the international (boards) and the leagues working together in some way because, especially Test cricket, I think for a lot of players is still the pinnacle of the format,” Southee was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Southee hints at Williamson and Conway's involvement in Tests without New Zealand contract

Furthermore, Tim Southee confirmed that Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are still very much in contention for selection and as far as the Test team is concerned, not much will be changed. He stated that both players are committed to New Zealand cricket and its growth and will feature even if they don’t have a contract.

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“I guess it is the way that cricket is going and then the amount of T20 leagues that are popping up. To look at it from Kane and Devon's point of view, they are still committed to New Zealand cricket, and we have got nine Test matches coming up. So they are committed to those Test matches. So as far as the Test side is concerned, it is not too dissimilar. They are still going to be there even though they don't have a New Zealand contract.

“I do not think Kane and Devon will miss a lot of cricket for New Zealand. So for them to have the flexibility in doing that, but still also be committed to New Zealand, which I think that is where the casual playing agreement comes in,” concluded Southee.