NZC agreement means Williamson will miss Australia series as the latter signs a casual agreement with the board.
Williamson to miss Australia series under NZC casual agreement.
Kane Williamson, who signed a casual playing deal with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) alongside Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Seifert, is determined to play in the T20 World Cup even if he will miss the forthcoming T20I series against Australia.
The five players signed casual agreements to have some flexibility between playing for New Zealand, staying in the high-performance system, and pursuing franchise opportunities abroad. They were not included in the 20 centrally contracted New Zealand players announced in June for the 2025–26 season.
Due to their current BBL contracts, Allen, Seifert, and Ferguson will be playing in Australia during the New Zealand Super Smash. Sophie Devine, the captain of the New Zealand women’s team, has agreed to a similar deal for 2025–2026. She plans to retire from ODI cricket following the World Cup in India, but she is still available for T20I matches.
According to NZC, players had to commit to the T20 World Cup campaign, which comprised home series against Australia, England, and the West Indies before the tournament in India and Sri Lanka in February and March, in order to be eligible for the casual playing arrangement. After undergoing foot surgery, it was previously known that Allen would miss the Australia matches, which are scheduled to take place in Mount Maunganui from October 1–4.
NZC CEO has his say
NZC CEO Scott Weenink said the casual agreements were sensible arrangements in a T20 World Cup year.
“With such a pinnacle event on the horizon we wanted to ensure our best T20 players were ready and available to push for inclusion,” he said. “The casual agreements are a commitment from the players to NZC and the Black Caps, and in return NZC will offer our full support to these players as part of our high-performance system.
“The message from the players is that playing for the Black Caps is hugely important to them and I’m pleased we’ve been able to agree terms to have them casually contracted for the coming season.
“Rob [Walter] and the team have a massive period of cricket ahead, home and away, and I know myself along with all of our fans can’t wait to follow and support.”