Tim Seifert signs two-year deal with Melbourne Renegades

New Zealand wicket-keeper batter Tim Seifert has signed a two-year contract with Melbourne Renegades as part of a pre-draft BBL signing. His inclusion means that the batter is set to miss a part of New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, Super Smash. He will likely miss the white-ball series against Pakistan in 2024-25 as well. 

It is worth noting that the 29-year-old had turned down a contract with Northern Districts, New Zealand’s First Class team, to venture into the T20 arena as a freelancer. Apart from being actively involved with various T20 franchises worldwide, he has played three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand. The ready-to-fit-in Seifert will have to drill along the likes of Josh Brown and Jake Fraser McGurk. 

"I'm thrilled to be here for the next two seasons, I'll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on that deeper level which doesn't often happen in franchise cricket so I'm excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least," said Seifert as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"That top three spot would be outstanding and if Cam [White] feels like I'm the man to take the gloves I'll be ready for that too. At the same time, I'm ready to fit in and play whatever role Whitey and the Renegades need me to play,” he added.

Seifert has played 61 T20Is and has scored 1291 at an average of 25.31 and a strike rate of 134.75. Speaking of franchise cricket, in 218 games the right-handed batter has scored 4829 runs at an average of 27.43 and a strike rate of 130.12 as Renegades general manager James Rosengarten quipped, “fantastic for our club to lock in Tim and still retain our prized Platinum pick."

"Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program, so we're excited to welcome into the club,” he added.