Mitchell Hay and Muhammad Abbas Headline New Zealand’s Central Contracts

The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) unveiled its central contracts list for the 2025-26 season on Tuesday, featuring four fresh faces. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay and all-rounder Muhammad Abbas are among those receiving national retainers after impressive performances in limited-overs cricket.

Fast bowler Zak Foulkes and leg-spinner Adi Ashok have also secured their first central contracts, becoming part of a 20-member squad that demonstrates the expanding depth of cricketing talent in New Zealand.

As expected, Kane Williamson has opted out of a central contract, along with Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson.

The NZC has confirmed that discussions are still underway regarding their casual playing commitments.

Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Josh Clarkson are no longer on the list from the previous year, while veteran pace bowler Tim Southee is absent following his recent retirement.

Hay distinguished himself with an undefeated 99 against Pakistan in an ODI earlier this year, while Abbas grabbed attention by achieving the fastest half-century on ODI debut, scoring 50 off only 24 balls during the same series.

Foulkes, with 10 T20I appearances, made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year. Ashok, who debuted internationally in 2023, participated in the series against Pakistan in March and recently excelled on the New Zealand A tour of Bangladesh, securing 5 for 54 in a four-day match.

The contracts were finalized by a selection panel that included head coach Gary Stead, who has relinquished his white-ball coaching responsibilities. A decision regarding his future as the Test coach is anticipated soon.

New Zealand’s Test schedule for the upcoming cycle is relatively sparse, featuring two matches in Zimbabwe (not part of the World Test Championship) in late July, followed by a three-match home series against the West Indies before the end of the year.

The T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year will be a major focus.

In a statement emphasizing New Zealand Cricket’s dedication to fostering emerging talent, NZC CEO Scott Weenink expressed his confidence in the newly contracted players.

“The contracts awarded to Mitch, Muhammad, Adi, and Zak are a testament to the incredible talent emerging from our system,” stated Scott Weenink, the NZC CEO.

“These players have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level, and their eagerness to represent the Blackcaps is encouraging. This list reflects the breadth and adaptability of our talent pool,” he added.

New Zealand Men’s 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.