Mitchell McClenaghan prefers T20 over country, requests NZC to terminate the contract

McClenaghan is not the first bowler to prefer T20 league over country.

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Zimbabwe v New Zealand T20I, 5 talking points. (Photo Source: AFP)

New Zealand left-arm pacer Mitchell McClenaghan has decided to discontinue his contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in order to play in overseas T20 leagues. The news was confirmed by NZC on Tuesday. McClenaghan’s contract with NZC had a retainer of 100000 dollars.

The bowler wanted to pursue opportunities in South Africa’s T20 Global League and Big Bash League in Australia and hence requested the board to terminate his contract. McClenaghan is currently playing in Caribbean Premier League for St. Lucia Stars. He is also the part of the IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians.

McClenaghan, who has 30 wickets in T20Is, was picked up by Durban Qalandars in player draft process of T20 Global League. The league which starts from November 3, clashes with New Zealand’s Plunket Shield, the domestic competition, and all the contracted players are bound to play in it. It has been also reported that the 31-year-old is also in talks with a Big Bash franchise and a confirmation of the same is around the corner.

I am very grateful to NZC

Mitchell McClenaghan explained his decision and also thanked New Zealand cricket for understanding him and obliging to his request. “Some new playing opportunities have arisen in the past few weeks which mean my circumstances have changed,” McClenaghan said in an NZC release. I’m very grateful for the respect, understanding and goodwill which has underpinned my request to be released from my NZC contract,” he added.

“I’ve worked closely with NZC throughout the process, while also making it clear I still harbour ambitions of playing for New Zealand in the future,” the bowler noted. McClenaghan can still play for New Zealand and earn his match fees but he won’t be considered for the high-performance programme.

“We have to recognise that, as the T20 game matures, specialists will want to explore the different opportunities that become available – and I think Mitch’s case is symptomatic of that. This agreement has been reached amicably and mutually; all parties understand the change in Mitch’s circumstances, and he is released from his contract with our best wishes,” Bryan Stronach, General Manager High Performance at NZC, said.

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