Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali added that the growing popularity of T20 and franchise leagues will destroy cricket and affect the traditional mould as well. He also predicted while reacting to the news of New Zealand cricketers Devon Conway and Finn Allen opting out of central contracts.

However, on Thursday, August 15, a report revealed that the Kiwi pair of Conway and Allen had declined central contracts to explore better
opportunities in franchise leagues. While Conway has opted for a casual playing contract over the next 12 months, Allen will be available
for selection on a case-by-case basis as well.

On his YouTube channel, Basit Ali said, “Conway has said that he will not play the Sri Lanka series. This is not New Zealand’s issue alone. In times to come, other teams will also face a similar situation. Pakistan players will do this as well. This is because so much money has come into franchise cricket. There is phobia over franchise leagues. India is very lucky in this matter. They don’t play T20 tournaments other than the IPL. T20 is not going to stop, but will destroy cricket, Test cricket in particular. For solid batters, who play the long innings, this is poison. Barring India, many more countries will suffer due to T20 cricket. Money will win, cricket will lose.”

Meanwhile, veteran Kiwi batter Devon Conway has declined a central playing contract and has taken a casual playing contract for the next 12 months so that he can play in the SA20 at the start of next year.

“The decision to move away from a central playing contract isn’t one I’ve taken lightly, but I believe it is the best for me and my family at this present time.”Playing for the Black Caps is still the pinnacle for me and I’m hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket,” the left-hander was quoted as saying by ICC’s official website.