Mcclenaghan’s ‘hardest decision’
Mitchell Mcclenaghan has revealed how he endured postconcussion headaches and sleepless nights at last year’s World Twenty20, as he rates his chances of playing for New Zealand again as ‘‘pretty slim’’.
The combative left-armer amicably parted ways with New Zealand Cricket yesterday, relinquishing the Black Caps contract he was offered in June which includes an annual retainer of near $100,000 - to play in the South African and Australian Twenty20 competitions this summer.
NZC agreed to release Mcclenaghan and will offer its 21st contract to his Auckland teammate Lockie Ferguson, while insisting there won’t be an avalanche of players following suit.
Mcclenaghan, speaking from the Caribbean Premier League, reflected on a bittersweet day in his international career which includes 48 ODIS and 28 T20s since his debut in South Africa in December 2012.
He can still be picked for New Zealand without a national contract, as Jeetan Patel was last summer, but it appears unlikely unless an injury crisis hits.
‘‘It’s really hit home. The last contracts have come through in the last couple of days and talking about it now is tough,’’ he said.
‘‘I’d do anything for my country, which probably sounds pretty p--s weak when you’re turning down a New Zealand contract. I’ve played games that I probably shouldn’t have played after head knocks, going out trying to win a T20 World Cup for my country when I could barely sleep at night because of headaches. It has been the hardest decision of my career.’’
Mcclenaghan was referring to the after-effects of the sickening head knock he received from an Anwar Ali bouncer in Wellington in January 2016. He had metal plates inserted in his forehead and ‘‘probably came back way too quick’’ to try and win a world title in India just weeks later.
The 31-year-old has cemented a spot in the Indian Premier League where he starred for Mumbai Indians, who won this year’s title. Mcclenaghan was fourth-highest wicket-taker with 19.
That security in the lucrative IPL made it easier to give up a guaranteed NZC retainer, and attracted more T20 offers. He was signed by the Durban Qalanders for South Africa’s new T20 league in November, and has an offer to play in Australia’s Big Bash which clashes with the New Zealand T20 Super Smash in Decemberjanuary.
Black Caps players, who are independent contractors, are granted six weeks annual leave to pursue T20 riches in various leagues. But they need a no objection certificate from NZC, and must be available for New Zealand’s domestic competitions and Black Caps tours and home internationals.