Auckland ACES batters Finn Allen and Mark Chapman have been awarded central contracts as New Zealand Cricket names its first contract offers for 2024/25.

Both Chapman and Allen, who returned to the ACES set-up in 2023/24 after four years with Wellington, were contracted in previous years. This year's list, however, is without a notable Auckland name.

Lockie Ferguson, like fellow Aucklanders Martin Guptill, Colin Munro and Jimmy Neesham, turned down a central contract this season as he chases opportunities with T20 franchises abroad.

He, along with Neesham, will still be available to represent New Zealand, and Auckland by extension, in 2024/25.

See the full contract list here: https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/ravindra-and-pace-bowling-trio-earn-first-contract-offers-patel-returns/ 

Article added: Monday 15 July 2024