New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has decided to revert to a casual contract with the Black Caps in an attempt to win further opportunities in franchise cricket.
Chapman made the decision on the eve of New Zealand’s home summer, with the 32-year-old expected to pursue an opportunity in Australia’s domestic Big Bash League at the end of the year.
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The left-hander with 150 games of international experience will still be available for selection for the Black Caps and is expected to be part of New Zealand’s squad for white-ball fixtures against India that commence next month on home soil.
It means Chapman joins Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson,
It means Chapman joins Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert as New Zealand players with casual playing contracts for the 2026/27 season.
“I’m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career,” Chapman said.
“The upcoming India series is one all us players are really excited for, and I’m committed wholeheartedly to performing in that series.”
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The decision by Chapman also sees fast bowler
The decision by Chapman also sees fast bowler Matt Fisher promoted to the list of centrally contracted players, with the right-armer having impressed since earning an international debut towards the end of last year.
Fisher collected figures of 3/40 in his most recent international fixture during an ODI against the West Indies in July and the 26-year-old joins a list of 20 New Zealand players with central contracts.
“With the heavy schedule of cricket coming up, notably the Test matches against India, Australia, and Sri Lanka, we know we’ll need good depth in our fast-bowling stocks to give the Black Caps the best chance of success,” New Zealand Selection Manager Gavin Larsen said.
Matt is someone able to bowl that express
“Matt is someone able to bowl that express pace which is extremely valuable to the balance of any side, so we’re excited to have him on the central contract list.”
New Zealand men’s centrally contracted players: Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Zak Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young
Source: www.icc-cricket.com
