Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay and all-rounder Mohammad Abbas have quickly made their mark in New Zealand’s white-ball setup, and their rise has now been rewarded with central contracts for the 2025–26 season. The pair are among four new faces included in New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) centrally contracted players list.
NZC has awarded central contracts to a total of 20 players for the upcoming season. Joining Hay and Abbas as new inclusions are fast bowler Jake Foulkes and leg-spinner Adi Ashok.
As expected, former captain and star batter Kane Williamson is not among the contracted players, having already hinted at stepping away from a full-time playing role. Other notable absentees from the list include Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson, though NZC has confirmed ongoing discussions to allow these players to be available outside of central contracts.
From last year’s contract list, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Josh Clarkson have been omitted, while veteran seamer Tim Southee has been excluded following his retirement.
New Zealand Central Contracts for the 2025–26 Season:
Mohammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Jake Foulkes, Mitchell 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
