Mitchell Hay, Muhammad Abbas Earn Maiden New Zealand Contracts for 2025–26

By Swapneel Deshpande 03 Jun 2025, 12:57 IST

Hay, Abbas Get First NZ Contracts for 2025–26

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has awarded central contracts to four new players for the 2025–26 season. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay, allrounder Muhammad Abbas, fast bowler Zak Foulkes, and legspinner Adi Ashok have earned their first national contracts.

Hay, Abbas Impress in Pakistan Series

Mitchell Hay caught attention with an unbeaten 99 in an ODI against Pakistan earlier this year. Muhammad Abbas made headlines with the fastest half-century on ODI debut — smashing 50 off just 24 balls in the same series.

Foulkes and Ashok Show Promise

Zak Foulkes has played ten T20Is and made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year. Adi Ashok, who debuted in 2023, was part of the squad against Pakistan in March. He recently impressed with a 5-wicket haul during New Zealand A’s tour of Bangladesh.

Senior Players Miss Out

Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson have not accepted central contracts this year. NZC stated that discussions are still ongoing regarding their participation under casual contracts.

Meanwhile, Tim Southee has retired, and Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Josh Clarkson have been dropped from the list.

Light Test Schedule Ahead

New Zealand will play only five Tests in the upcoming cycle — two in Zimbabwe and three at home against West Indies. Neither series is part of the World Test Championship. The main focus will be the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

NZC CEO Backs Young Talent

“The contracts for Mitch, Muhammad, Adi, and Zak show the strength of our development system,” said NZC CEO Scott Weenink. “They’ve proved they belong at the top level and have the hunger to succeed.”