Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay and all-rounder Muhammad Abbas are amongst the four fresh additions to New Zealand’s central contracts list for 2025-26, following notable performances in white-ball cricket over the past year. Fast bowler Zak Foulkes and leg-spinner Adi Ashok also secured their first contracts, joining the 20 players on national retainers.
As anticipated, Kane Williamson has opted out of a contract for the season, along with Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) revealed that discussions continue regarding their casual playing arrangements.
From last year’s contracted players, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Josh Clarkson, as well as the recently retired Tim Southee, have been omitted.
Among the newcomers, Mitchell Hay made headlines with his unbeaten 99 against Pakistan in an earlier ODI series. Meanwhile, Muhammad Abbas caught the spotlight by smashing the fastest half-century on ODI debut, reaching the milestone off just 24 balls in the same series. Zak Foulkes, who has ten T20 International (T20I) appearances, marked his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka last year. Adi Ashok, who played three internationals in 2023, recently impressed during New Zealand A’s tour of Bangladesh with a notable 5-54 in a four-day match.
In the words of Scott Weenink, NZC CEO, “The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi, and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system. These players have shown they can compete at the highest level, and their hunger to represent the Blackcaps is exciting. The list captures the depth and versatility of our talent pool.”
Currently, New Zealand’s Test schedule for the upcoming contract cycle is relatively light, featuring two matches in Zimbabwe in late July (which don’t count towards the World Test Championship) and three home games against the West Indies before Christmas. A significant focus remains on next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
With head coach Gary Stead stepping down from the white-ball role, a decision is pending on whether he will remain as the Test coach.
New Zealand Men Central Contracts 2025-26:
Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
Andrew McGlashan, Deputy Editor at ESPNcricinfo.
