New Zealand Test skipper Tim Southee has appealed to the boards and the T20 leagues around the globe to work in tandem. The veteran reckons that the working together of the two parties will make it easier for the players to choose between playing for a franchise or the country. The Kiwi skipper’s remarks come at a time when T20 leagues are booming across the world, luring in players from all big cricketing nations.
Southee’s solution for Test vs T20 debate
“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 said at the sidelines of the CEAT Cricketer Rating Awards.
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New Zealand will play nine Tests in the upcoming season and will be led by Tim Southee. Former skipper Kane Williamson has opted to skip the white-ball tours and play the SA20 instead. However, he has made himself available for all the Tests.
Similarly, Devon Conway has signed a casual contract, which means he will be available for the Tests but can opt out of white-ball tours. He is set to feature in SA20 alongside Williamson.
“So as far as the Test side is concerned, it’s not too dissimilar. They’re still going to be there even though they don’t have a New Zealand contract,” Southee said, speaking abut the impact of players denying/casual contracts’ on the team.
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