Mitchell McClenaghan has terminated his central contract
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
New Zealand left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan has decided to opt out of his central contract in order to participate in domestic Twenty20 competitions around the world.
McClenaghan is currently participating in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he has taken four wickets for the struggling St Lucia Stars, who have lost seven of their eight games and secured their first point via a washout.
Prior to CPL, the 31-year-old took part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and played an instrumental role in leading the Mumbai Indians to the title as he claimed 19 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.68.
With his request to have his contract terminated, McClenaghan is now free to participate in the inaugural T20 Global League in South Africa, where he was drafted by the Durban Qalanders.
After that, it is likely the Hastings native will play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
“Some new playing opportunities have arisen in the past few weeks which mean my circumstances have changed,” McClenaghan said in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release. “I’m very grateful for the respect, understanding and goodwill which has 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 harbour ambitions of playing for New Zealand in the future.”
Bryan Stronach, NZC’s General Manager of High Performance, respected McClenaghan’s decision to give up his contract and wished him all the best going forward.
“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,” he said. “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.”
McClenaghan’s place on the list of 21 contracted players will be offered to pace bowler Lockie Ferguson, who has represented New Zealand in seven ODIs and one Twenty20 International to date.