Cricket Australia Releases Central Contracts List For 2024-25 Season, Star All-Rounder Misses Out

As Australia unveiled their list of men's players to be offered national contracts for 2024-25, a few seasoned performers found themselves omitted from the roster.

Marcus Stoinis of Australia reacts after being dismissed during game one of the Men's T20 International series between Australia and West Indies at Blundstone Arena on February 9, 2024 in Hobart, Australia.

Cricket Australia (CA) unveiled the list of 23 players who secured the latest central contracts on March 28 (Thursday), with the notable absence of seasoned all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Stoinis, who has grappled with back injuries recently, was a notable member in Australia's triumph at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup last year and remains a crucial member of the short-format squad as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA in June.

Stoinis finds himself in the company of another all-rounder Ashton Agar, opener Marcus Harris, pacer Michael Neser and recently retired star David Warner as players who missed out on fresh contracts. Instead, Cricket Australia (CA) has chosen to offer contracts to a select group of new faces.

JUST IN: Veterans drop off as Cricket Australia add emerging quicks and allrounders to Aussie men's contract list for 2024-25.https://t.co/opnqWeTRB1

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 28, 2024

New Faces In Cricket Australia's Central Contracts For 2024-25 Season

All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie have earned new deals after being promoted to the contract list during the summer. Additionally, fast bowler Nathan Ellis secures another contract, while young right-armer Xavier Bartlett earns a full-time contract after showcasing impressive performances with the ball against the West Indies earlier this year.

Cricket Australia's selection chairman, George Bailey, expresses confidence in the players who have secured new deals, stating that they have promising international careers ahead of them.

“Matt, Aaron and Xavier have been extremely impressive in the early stages of their international careers. Their performances and the way they have embraced the international stage has been exciting to watch," said Bailey as per the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“The panel believes they have strong futures and are deserved of their contracts as they work towards striving to become regulars in the Australian setup,” he added.

Players Included In CA's Central Contracts For 2024-25 Season

Adam Zampa, Aaron Hardie, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Lance Morris, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Short, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Sean Abbott, Steve Smith, Todd Murphy, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Xavier Barlett.