Once you’re at a certain age, you’re not really valued at New Zealand Cricket: Mitchell McClenaghan

Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan said that the players at New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are not valued after a certain age. He expressed that longevity should be rewarded so that there is more security for the players. The 36-year-old has played 77 matches for the Kiwis and last appeared in the international circuit in 2018.

McClenaghan said that when a player’s contract is on a long-term basis, as is the case in the New Zealand Rugby team, they do not need to be worried about job security while they are also paid good money. He also spoke about Colin de Grandhomme, saying that he understands the all-rounder’s recent retirement from international cricket as he waited until he had a job to go to before hanging the boots.

“I think once you’re at a certain age, you’re not really valued at New Zealand Cricket,” said McClenaghan on the SENZ Breakfast show. “I feel like there should be some reward for longevity in this game, particularly with the way the contracts are set up with NZC.”

You could lose your job tomorrow so all your security is out window: McClenaghan

“You’re on a year-by-year contract so there’s actually no security at all. You’re not an employee like you are with New Zealand Rugby, where you’re on a longer-term contract where you don’t need to look over your shoulder and you’re on good money,” said the Kiwi pacer. McClenaghan further explained, prior to de Grandhomme’s retirement, he must have thought that he would have had another four or five Test matches at the most in him.

“You could lose your job tomorrow so all your security is out the window, so I can understand why Colin waited until he had a job to go to before kicking it in. I think in his mind he probably thought he’d have four or five Tests left at a max and then that (would) probably be taken towards the end of his career. That’s just the nature of being a contractor unfortunately for NZC and obviously for New Zealand cricketers as well,” added the 36-year-old.