New Zealand central contracts 2026-27: Devon Conway returns, but TWO stars dropped from list
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New Zealand central contracts 2026-27: Devon Conway returns, but TWO stars dropped from list originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Devon Conway and Blair Tickner replace Adi Ashok and Muhammad Abbas on contract list.
- Bracewell and Chapman opt out of Test cricket, staying on as white-ball specialists.
- The new list arrives just after Kane Williamson's retirement from international cricket.
Devon Conway, Blair Tickner earn New Zealand central contracts as Williamson's retirement reshapes squad
New Zealand Cricket has confirmed Devon Conway and Blair Tickner as new additions to its pool of 20 centrally contracted players for the 2026-27 season, and they have replaced Adi Ashok and Muhammad Abbas.
NZC have made made a few tweaks to the list following Kane Williamson's recent retirement.
Conway re-enters the central contract list after spending the last two seasons on a casual playing agreement.
With Williamson retired and New Zealand heading into a particularly important phase of Test cricket, Conway has now made himself available for every international fixture across the upcoming contract window, running from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027.
"Devon has been a regular member of the side in all three formats for some time now, even whilst on a casual contract, so it's great to have a player of his calibre back on the central contract list, especially with the amount of exciting cricket coming up." Head Coach Rob Walter said.
Meanwhile, Tickner's inclusion comes off the back of consistent form across all formats. He has taken four or more wickets in five of his last eight international innings and claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the one-off Test against Ireland at Stormont last month.
"It's been a while, so it was awesome news to hear. I've been working towards it," he said. "So, no, it was just a cool experience, I guess, for me and the family to be back on the list after a few years off. It's obviously awesome to be around the environment and then to feel like you're part of the cog going forward is always special.
"I just wanted to play more for New Zealand and put performances in for the team and whatever came of it, came of it. And luckily enough, you know, the contract's come my way. But it's just, like I said, awesome to be a part of the team going forward."
Bracewell and Chapman step back from Test cricket
NZC also confirmed that Michael Bracewell and Mark Chapman had both requested not to be considered for Test selection. However, they have chosen instead to remain on the central list strictly as white-ball specialists.
NZC will also make announcements regarding casual playing agreements in the coming weeks, with discussions already underway. Players such as Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert are among those expected to be in contention for those deals.
Central Contract List for 2026-27:
- Tom Blundell
- Michael Bracewell
- Mark Chapman
- Devon Conway
- 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
- Blair Tickner
- Will Young
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