Christchurch: New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee believes that the landscape of cricket has changed with the advent of lucrative T20 leagues across the world, including the IPL, and more players are likely to give up national contracts. Three New Zealand players, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill and Jimmy Neesham, have so far given up their central contracts to play in different leagues.
Saudi said before the third ODI against India, “The scenario of cricket has changed in the last few months. I have a contract with New Zealand Cricket and I will play IPL. Let’s see what happens in the future but a lot has changed compared to two-three years back.” Saudi will play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2023 IPL season.
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He said, “I don’t think too far ahead. I have a lot of cricket to play in the coming months but all the players have to think in this changing environment.” By taking three wickets in the first ODI against India, Saudi became the first bowler in the world to take 300 Test, 200 ODI and 100 T20 wickets.
He said, “This is special because no one has done this before. You will be proud when you look back at the end of your career. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and hope to play for many more years and take more wickets.” He said that he wants to continue playing in all the three formats. (agency)