Who are the new players awarded NZ central contracts?

Christchurch, June 3 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay, allrounder Muhammad Abbas, pacer Zak Foulkes, and leg-spinner Adi Ashok are the four newcomers who have secured their first-ever central contracts with New Zealand Cricket for the 2025-26 season.

In a surprising turn, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, and Josh Clarkson, who were part of the centrally contracted list in 2024-25, have not been renewed this year.

Notably, Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson have opted out of the central contracts, as they are currently in discussions regarding their casual playing contracts.

The 24-year-old Hay recently showcased his skills by scoring an unbeaten 99 runs off 78 balls, leading New Zealand’s ODI innings against Pakistan earlier this year. He also set a world record by achieving six dismissals in a T20I during his debut tour in Sri Lanka last November.

Abbas, a 21-year-old allrounder from Wellington, made headlines by scoring a record-breaking 52 runs off just 26 balls on his ODI debut against Pakistan in March, marking the fastest fifty on debut in men’s ODIs. He also claimed Mohammad Rizwan as his first ODI wicket during the same match.

The 22-year-old Foulkes made his T20I debut last year against Pakistan, stepping in for the injured Adam Milne and impressing with his versatile skills. He made his ODI debut in November.

Auckland leg-spinner Ashok, also 22, returns to the BlackCaps ODI squad after making his debut in 2023 and recently starred with a five-wicket haul in New Zealand A’s victory over Bangladesh A in Sylhet.

Chief Executive of NZC, Scott Weenink, lauded the new additions as a promising indicator of New Zealand cricket’s future. He stated, "The contracts awarded to Mitch, Muhammad, Adi, and Zak highlight the immense talent emerging from our system. These players have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level, and their eagerness to represent the BlackCaps is truly exciting. We are eager to see them drive our team forward."

The selection of the final 20 players was based on a comprehensive review of domestic and international performances across Test, ODI, and T20I formats, considering their past performances, the upcoming 2025-26 schedule, and their potential to represent New Zealand.

The players who have secured central contracts for the 2025-26 season include: 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, William O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, and Will Young.