The six major associations have confirmed their first round of contracts for the 2025-26 New Zealand season, and—while no move feels earth-shattering—there is still plenty to unpack before the winter is out.
First things first
Gary Stead, between international assignments, will act as Otago’s interim head coach after Ashley Noffke accepted a role in Pakistan’s back-room staff. The arrangement is short term for now, yet Otago believe Stead’s calm style will “steady things while we search properly,” as one official put it.
Auckland: Phillips in, Jacobs and Gulati follow
Dale Phillips leaves Otago after six seasons and returns to the city where he first played age-group cricket. The 26-year-old right-hander spent part of May honing his options against spin at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai, and he topped 450 runs in last summer’s Ford Trophy at an average a tick under 46.
His older brother, Glenn, remains contracted to Otago and will dovetail that deal with Black Caps duty, so the family rivalry lives on.
Auckland have also picked up big-hitting Bevon Jacobs, fresh from stints with Mumbai Indians and MI Emirates, and off-spinner Rohit Gulati, formerly of Northern Districts, who plugs the gap left by Louis Delport’s retirement. Newcomer Harrish Kannan, an Australian age-group product who shifted across the Tasman last year, receives his first full deal.
Auckland contracts: Sid Dixit, Cam Fletcher, Matt Gibson, Rohit Gulati, Bevon Jacobs, Harrish Kannan, Simon Keene, Ben Lister, Jock McKenzie, Angus Olliver, Dale Phillips, Samrath Singh, Sean Solia, Lachie Stackpole, Jordan Sussex.
Canterbury: Carter joins a settled top order
Leo Carter’s decision to head south-east from Otago to Canterbury reunites him with several age-group team-mates. The 30-year-old is still best remembered for clearing the ropes six times in a single over during the 2020 Super Smash, yet his red-ball numbers—he averages 37—will probably influence selection more than that party piece.
Jesse Frew, a former New Zealand Under-19 keeper-batter, and Scott Janett, who marked his List-A debut with a hundred earlier in the year, are the fresh faces.
Canterbury contracts: Chad Bowes, Matt Boyle, Leo Carter, Jesse Frew, Scott Janett, Rhys Mariu, Cole McConchie, Angus McKenzie, Cam Paul, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Michael Rae, Michael Rippon, Matt Rowe, Fraser Sheat.
Central Districts: Foxcroft returns, Bracewell re-engages
Dean Foxcroft is back with Central Districts for the first time since 2019 after drawing a line under his Otago stay. His immediate task is the Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana, where CD will represent New Zealand alongside hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors and three other T20 sides.
Doug Bracewell, who rejected a contract last year to free himself for the SA20, has accepted terms this time and is set for the GSL as well. With T20 coach Ben Smith busy at Derbyshire, Craig McMillan will take charge for the Caribbean trip.
Central Districts contracts: Doug Bracewell, Tom Bruce, Will Clark, Josh Clarkson, Dean Foxcroft, Ray Harrison, Ajaz Patel, Brad Schmulian, Dane Schadendorf, Bayley Wiggins, Blair Tickner, Ben Wheeler, Jack Boyle, Joey Field, Adam Milne.
Northern Districts: Seifert chooses flexibility
Tim Seifert has asked for a casual agreement rather than a full retainer, leaving ND room to elevate a younger batter later in the contracting window. The 30-year-old keeper wants room in the calendar for global T20 opportunities but has told ND he is “committed whenever the schedule allows”.
Wellington and Otago
Wellington’s list remains largely untouched, with veteran quick Hamish Bennett moving into a player-mentor role. Otago, still digesting Phillips’ departure, have offered first contracts to seamer Josh Finnie and batter Sandeep Patel, while Glenn Phillips’ appearances hinge on Black Caps fixtures.
What next?
Each association has until late July to finalise two additional contracts, and there is every chance a couple of fringe internationals will juggle casual deals similar to Seifert’s. For now, though, the major shuffling is done, and pre-season gyms are filling fast.
