Wellington, Jan 7 NZPA - New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and the Players' Association have begun renegotiating the contract between them for the first time in four years.

The Master Agreement has has been in place since June 2006 and expires in July this year.

Among other things, it defines the contracting environment, competition structures and remuneration basis for professional cricketers in New Zealand, at both national and major association levels.

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said there were a number of challenges ahead with the changing nature of the game internationally.

"I'm sure we will be able to work constructively towards a new agreement that is in the best interests of the game in New Zealand."

Players' Association executive manager Heath Mills said negotiations were taking place at a critical time in the global game.

"The past few years have seen a rapidly changing environment for professional cricketers," he said. "These negotiations are important as we need to recognise and respond appropriately to the changes that have taken place."

Vaughan and Mills said both parties had reached agreement on negotiation protocols, including a commitment to confidentiality. Neither organisation would be commenting further on the negotiations while they remained in discussions.

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