Allrounder Jimmy Neesham has turned down an NZ Cricket central contract due to prior commitments with overseas domestic leagues.
The 31-year-old was offered one of the contracts vacated by Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme, who were both released form their deals last month.
But Neesham - who lost his place in the 20-strong list in May - has declined the contract on the basis of existing overseas contracts on the lucrative Twenty20 circuit, likely to be in South Africa or the UAE.
Like Boult, he will still be considered for NZ selection when available. Both are expected to feature at the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia, beginning October 16.
Neesham has explained the rationale behind his decision on social media.
"I know the news of my decision to decline a central contract today will be seen as me choosing money over representing my country," he said on Instagram. "I had planned to accept a contract offer in July, however since being left off the list, I have committed to other leagues around the world.
"It was a difficult decision, but I have decided to honour those commitments, rather than go back on my word to re-sign with NZ Cricket.
"Playing for the [Blackcaps] has been the greatest honour of my career and I remain committed to taking the field with my countrymen for the foreseeable future, especially in pinnacle world events."
Instead, Blair Tickner and Finn Allen have filled those vacancies, taking up their first NZC central contracts.
Pace bowler Tickner has played six one-day internationals and 11 T20 internationals for the Blackcaps, while better Allen has already represented his country in eight ODIs and 13 T20s.
Both featured on the recent tour of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, and Allen also played in the most recent series in the West Indies and Australia.
"[Tickner] is a bowler who just keeps improving and we've been particularly impressed with his red-ball development," said Blackcaps coach Gary Stead. "He knows the environment, understands his role, and bowls with good pace and aggression."
Stead adds Allen has earned his promotion on the basis of the skillset he offered and his form to date on the international stage.
"Finn clearly has huge talent and potential," said Stead. "He's shown he's up to the international level in his limited opportunities to date.
"In particular, his matchwinning 96 against West Indies on a difficult wicket in Barbados showed his class and maturity."
Allen will likely be among the players selected in the squad for the T20 World Cup, to be announced on Tuesday, while Tickner's inclusion may rest on the injury status of his fellow fast bowlers.
Join us for live updates of the Blackcaps' T20 World Cup campaign, starting October 22.
