Mitchell Santner rejects lucrative BBL contract to focus on India and Australia tests

Mitchell Santner (Pic: AFP)

New Zealand white-ball captain Mitchell Santner has turned down a lucrative Big Bash League deal to prioritise the Black Caps' upcoming Test series against India and Australia.

The 34-year-old was approached by the Adelaide Strikers but opted to concentrate on international duties.

"When you look ahead to the summer we've got, India here for white ball and Tests and Australia away - there's not many bigger than that - it's quite an exciting time. I'd like to still be part of that," Santner told the New Zealand Herald.

"The offer was good, I'm not going to lie. They knew it would have to be a good offer for me to entertain it, with contracting and what would come up. I did entertain the thought of it, but coming back to what we've got coming up, even if I'm not going to play every game of Test cricket, I still feel like there's a role for me," he added.

New Zealand is set to host India for a multi-format series, featuring two Tests between October 22 and December 1, before making the trip across the country for a four-Test campaign against Australia.

Mitchell Santner enjoying the captaincy role

Santner emphasised his desire to remain the captain of the national side, noting that stepping back from a central contract while retaining the captaincy felt unfeasible.

"I don't want to give up captaincy. If that was part of the deal, it was a no-brainer for me. There were chats that it could have worked. But for me, sitting without a central contract and trying to captain, I don't know if that would sit right at this stage," he added.

Centrally contracted New Zealand players must remain available for the domestic Super Smash in January, which conflicts with both the BBL and South Africa's SA20. While several teammates have transitioned to contracts to access overseas leagues, Santner remains committed to the national team structure.

"There's no judgment with guys taking casual deals. We aren't going to keep up with the money for some of these other opportunities going around. But for me, I still want to be part of New Zealand cricket and what we've got coming up." Santner said.

(With inputs from PTI)