New Zealand Cricket Announces 2025-26 Men’s Central Contracts: Four New Players Included

On June 3, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the men’s central contracts for the 2025-26 season. Four players have been included for the first time: wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay, young all-rounder Muhammad Abbas, fast bowler Zak Foulkes, and leg-spinner Adi Ashok.

Williamson, Conway & Others Miss NZ Central Contracts

Some well-known players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson haven’t been given central contracts this time. However, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said they are still discussing the possibility of casual contracts with these players. Tim Southee isn’t included because he recently retired. Also, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, and all-rounder Josh Clarkson didn’t make the list either.

"The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system," Scott Weenink, the NZC CEO, said. 

New additions to the central contract

Hay has made a name for himself as a wicketkeeper-batter. He played a brilliant knock of 99 not out against Pakistan in the recent ODI series. Last year, he also set a world record by making six dismissals in a T20 match against Sri Lanka, the most ever by a wicketkeeper in a T20 international.

Young all-rounder Abbas made a big impression by hitting the fastest half-century on debut, reaching 50 runs in just 24 balls. Foulkes has played in 10 T20 internationals so far and has taken 13 wickets, with an average of 23.46. Leg-spinner Ashok is new to international cricket. He has played two ODIs and one T20I, picking up one wicket in each format.

New Zealand's next tour will be a two-match Test series in Zimbabwe. The first Test will start on July 30.

New Zealand Men's Central Contracts List for the 2025–26 Season

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

New Zealand Tour of Zimbabwe: Test Matches Schedule

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