Fresh faces added in New Zealand central contract list, with Mitch Hay and Muhammad Abbas handed new contracts.
Fresh faces Mitchell Hay and allrounder Muhammad Abbas are among four new names on New Zealand’s central contracts list for 2025-26.
Among the 20 names on national retainers, fast bowler Zak Foulkes and legspinner Adi Ashok have also secured their maiden contracts.
Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson have all declined contracts, as he previously stated. According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), talks “are ongoing” regarding their informal playing arrangements.
Along with the retired Tim Southee, Josh Clarkson, Ajaz Patel, and Ish Sodhi have left the team from the previous year.
Among the newcomers, Abbas achieved the fastest half-century on his ODI debut with his 24-ball performance in the same series, and Hay produced an undefeated 99 against Pakistan during the ODI series earlier this year.
Foulkes made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year and has eleven T20I caps. Although Ashok only made three appearances for his country in 2023, he was included in the squad against Pakistan in March and has recently made an impression for New Zealand. a trip to Bangladesh, where he won the opening four-day match with a score of 5 for 54.
A panel that included head coach Gary Stead, who resigned from his position as white-ball coach and is due to hear a decision soon over his future as Test coach, drew up the contracts list.
With three home games against the West Indies before Christmas and two games in Zimbabwe (which are not part of the World Test Championship) starting in late July, New Zealand has a light Test schedule in the upcoming contract cycle. One of the primary focus points will be the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.