New Zealand cricketers are set to benefit after their governing body has struck a successful deal on Thursday (July 26). The players, who have been centrally or domestically contracted, are likely to share NZD 65.3 million from 2018 to 2022 that New Zealand Cricket is expecting to generate.The players have received a hike of 26. 5 percent, an increase by 16 percent.
The deal which will come into affect from August 1 also gives the players 30 percent share of the revenue that's generated above projection. The deal with see some changes as well agreed on by both the parties. While the number of centrally contracted players will be reduced from 21 to 20, there will be an expanded New Zealand A programme in addition to contracts for emerging players. There will also be an investment of NZD 2.85 million into the cricketers' retirement fund in the next four years.
Regarding other developments, the Ford trophy rounds will be increased from six to eight at the cost of reduction of first-class games. The Plunkett Shield rounds will be reduced to eight from ten.
David White, the New Zealand chief, was understandably pleased after striking the deal. "I just want to congratulate everyone involved in the constructive manner in which the entire process was conducted," he said.
"It was evident throughout that all parties shared a common interest in striking an agreement that was fair, progressive and good for the overall game in New Zealand. There has been strong and robust discussion throughout the process, as you'd expect with such a significant document - but the overall tone has been one of cooperation."
Heath Mills, the players association chief, felt the deal will help New Zealand cricket move in the right direction. "I'd like to acknowledge the spirit in which NZC and the Major Associations entered the negotiation process," he pointed out. "At all times, we've felt respected and treated as an important and valued stakeholder in the sport. It's great to see all parties so well aligned and moving in the same direction."
New Zealand will play Pakistan in a full-length tour in the UAE comprising of three Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is between October and December 2018.
