Kane Williamson again turns down central contract with New Zealand Cricket
Wellington (AP): Ex-captain Kane Williamson has again rejected a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and likely will miss the Black Caps two test tour to Zimbabwe next month.
Williamson also decided not to accept a central contract last year, to leave himself free to play in Twenty20 and other leagues around the world. He instead signed a casual contract last year and still played in nine of New Zealand's 13 tests in 2024, scoring more than 1,000 runs.
Williamson was absent from the list of 20 contracted players released by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday, along with Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson who also are playing in T20 leagues overseas. He is expected again to sign a casual contract.
Allrounders Muhammad Abbas and Zak Foulkes, wicketkeeper Mitch Hay and spinner Adi Ashok are contracted for the first time in the absence of Tim Southee, who has retired, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel and Josh Clarkson.
Williamson currently is playing for Middlesex in the English County Championship and T20 Blast and for the London Spirit in The Hundred. He is expected to have county commitments while New Zealand plays Zimbabwe in late July and early August.
In a news conference in London last month, Williamson said 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.”
The 20 contracted players were ranked on domestic and international performances over the past year.
“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.”
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
_vb_69.jpeg)
Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
