New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its central contract list for the 2025–26 season, with a clear plan on transition and investing in the future. While notable names like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway and Finn Allen continue to opt out of national retainers, four exciting young prospects – Muhammad Abbas, Mitch Hay, Adithya Ashok and Zak Foulkes – have been awarded their first central contracts.
New stars waiting to explode
Each of the quartet has already had a taste of international cricket, and it is a good sign for the BlackCaps. Abbas and Hay stood out in the recent ODI series against Pakistan, where Abbas smashed a record-breaking 24-ball fifty on debut, while Hay was unlucky to miss a century, finishing unbeaten on 99.
Foulkes has grown steadily in the T20I setup, and Ashok’s standout performance on the New Zealand A tour to Bangladesh has pushed him into the spotlight.
Are Kane Williamson, Devon Conway eligible to play?
There’s no Tim Southee, with the long-serving pacer having retired. And for the first time in a while, there’s no room for spinners Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel or all-rounder Josh Clarkson. While those omissions may raise eyebrows, the move reflects a shift towards developing younger, multi-format players.
Interestingly, unlike last year, none of the uncontracted players have turned down deals to pursue T20 leagues — though discussions are still ongoing with Williamson, Conway, Lockie Ferguson and others about their availability. All remain eligible for selection, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka fast approaching.
The Test calendar is relatively light this season — two matches in Zimbabwe in July and three at home against the West Indies before Christmas. A decision on Gary Stead’s future as Test coach is expected soon.
“The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system,” Scott Weenink, the NZC CEO said. “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.”
New Zealand Central Contract List
Contracted Players: Adithya Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Muhammad Abbas, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
Out: Tim Southee (retired), Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, Josh Clarkson
Uncontracted: Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham
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