Black Caps call on uncontracted players for Pakistan T20s

New Zealand will turn to several uncontracted players for their upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan, with Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham, and Tim Seifert all set to feature in the first T20I in Christchurch on Sunday.

None of the trio hold central contracts with New Zealand Cricket, instead opting to play in various international T20 leagues.

However, selector Sam Wells has emphasized that all three remain committed to representing their country and are part of the Black Caps’ long-term plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“Yeah, look, we’ve had some discussions with these guys,” Wells said this week.

“New Zealand Cricket has really emphasized preparing well for these pinnacle events, and the guys have committed to being available for all of our T20 campaigns moving forward, if selected.

“So that’s a real positive. And credit to those guys, they’ve come back and played domestic cricket, played Ford Trophy and performed well.

“These guys are still really hungry and made it very clear they’re still very hungry to play for their country.

“That is why they come back and play domestic cricket to stake their claim. And they’ve done well as well as performing in the various franchise leagues they play around the world.

“But it is really helpful from a selection perspective to see them competing in domestic cricket against the guys and see them in the flesh.

“So, look, we’re really happy with where they’re at.”

New Zealand has faced challenges in retaining players in recent years, with the lure of lucrative overseas leagues leading several high-profile names to opt out of central contracts.

Despite this, the Black Caps remain competitive in the T20 format and are currently listed at +1600 with Nags.bet to win the 2026 T20 World Cup.

However, they enter Sunday’s opening T20I against Pakistan as favorites, with the top sports betting sites pricing them at -164 to secure victory at Hagley Oval.

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