Mitchell McClenaghan ends New Zealand contract for T20 cricket
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Mitchell McClenaghan has opted to terminate his contract with New Zealand Cricket as he wants to play in multiple overseas T20 leagues. The Kiwi, who plays for Mumbai Indians, in the IPL, was recently selected by Durban Qalandars via the draft process for the T20 Global League in South Africa.
According to a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) media release on Tuesday, August 29, McClenaghan has appealed the board to lapse his contract, as he wants to opt for South Africa's T20 Global League and Big Bash League in Australia. His contract with NZC had a retainer of $100000. The
"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 have underpinned my request to be released from my NZC contract. I've worked closely with NZC throughout the process, while also making it clear I still harbor ambitions of playing for New Zealand in the future," he added.
McClenaghan, just like other contracted cricketers, is expected to participate in New Zealand's domestic tournaments, when he wasn't on national duty. Nevertheless, if he wants to get involved in T20 opportunities outside the country, he will require a no objection certificate (NOC) or terminate his contract. Being a part of T20s, McClenaghan can still represent the national side and receive his match fees, but, he won't be considered as a part of New Zealand's High-Performance Programme.
"We have to recognize 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," said Bryan Stronach, General Manager High Performance at NZC.
"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," he added.
McClenaghan has been one of the most sought after bowlers in T20 auctions and his incisiveness can be made known by the fact that he has picked up 54 scalps at an impressive average of 24.61 for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
Lockie Ferguson will be replacing him in the 21-member New Zealand contract list.
