New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has opted for a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket for the 2026-27 season, a move designed to facilitate his participation in the Big Bash League. The BBL 2026-27 is slated to run from December 12 to January 26, which overlaps with New Zealand’s four-Test tour of Australia, scheduled for December 9 to January 8, as well as the white-ball portion of the home series against Sri Lanka, including three ODIs and the first T20I on January 26.
Despite shifting away from a central contract, Chapman remains available for selection, joining fellow casual contract players Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, and Tim Seifert. Expressing his gratitude for the organization’s ongoing support, Chapman stated, “I’m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career. The upcoming India series is one all us players are really excited for, and I’m committed wholeheartedly to performing in that series.”
The vacancy left by Chapman has been filled by Northern Districts fast bowler Matthew Fisher, who has been awarded his first-ever central contract. New Zealand Cricket Chief High Performance Officer Daryl Gibson noted that the promotion creates an opportunity for another athlete to develop at the domestic level, adding, “Matt has impressed with the opportunities he’s had for the BLACKCAPS, and his pace is definitely something we want to nurture.”
Selection manager Gavin Larsen emphasized the strategic necessity of bolstering fast-bowling depth ahead of a demanding summer schedule. “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 BLACKCAPS the best chance of success. 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,” Larsen explained.
New Zealand faces a rigorous home summer, beginning with a 12-game series against India featuring five ODIs, five T20Is, and two Tests from October 22 to December 1. Following the tour to Australia for four Tests, the team will host Sri Lanka from mid-January for a month-long series consisting of three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests. The report also notes that coinciding with New Zealand’s four-Test tour of Australia (December 9 to January 8) and while-ball leg of the home series against Sri Lanka (3 ODI, the BBL 2026-27 is scheduled to be played from December 12 to January 26.
