New Zealand announce central contracts for 20 players, 4 newbies added whereas 2 India-born players dropped

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on June 3 announced the men's central contract list for 2025-26 including four new entrants. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay, young all-rounder Muhammad Abbas, pacer Zak Foulkes and leg-spinner Adi Ashok have been added to the list.

The notable ommisions are Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson. NZC said that there are ongoing discussions with these players about casual playing contracts. While Tim Southee is the obvious exclusion after his retirement, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel and all-rounder Josh Clarkson have been dropped.

"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. We’re thrilled to see this group drive our team forward. The list captures the depth and versatility of our talent pool. With a packed season ahead, including the ICC T20 World Cup in February, these players are ready to make their mark and inspire fans across New Zealand."

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New Zealand's next assignment will be a two-Test series on Zimbabwe soil. The Test series will begin on July 30.

Who are the new additions to the central contract list?

Hay has made an impact as a wicketkeeper-batter. He scored an unbeaten 99 against Pakistan in the ODI series. He also holds the world record for six dismissals in a T20I created against Sri Lanka last year, most by a wicketkeeper.

Young all-rounder Abbas made an impact with fastest half-century on debut from just 24 balls. Foulkes has played 10 T20Is so far and taken 13 wickets at an average of 23.46. Leg-spinner Ashok is new to the international circuit. He has played two ODIs and one T20I and taken one wicket in each format.

New Zealand men's central contracts 2025-26 list -

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