New Zealand Cricket announces 2025-26 BLACKCAPS central contracts featuring four debutants — Mitch Hay, Muhammad Abbas, Zak Foulkes, and Adi Ashok. Learn how these rising stars are reshaping the future of NZ cricket.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially unveiled its centrally contracted BLACKCAPS squad for the 2025-26 season, and the spotlight is firmly on a new generation of talent. Four uncapped players — Mitch Hay, Muhammad Abbas, Zak Foulkes, and Adi Ashok — have earned their first-ever central contracts, marking a transformative moment in the BLACKCAPS’ trajectory.
This strategic shift signals a renewed focus on youth, athleticism, and all-round skills, just in time for a packed international schedule, including the much-anticipated ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The Newcomers: Stats, Impact & Potential
Mitch Hay (Canterbury)
Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman | Age: 24
Mitch Hay burst into international cricket with a stunning 99 off 78 balls* against Pakistan in an ODI earlier this year, anchoring the innings with composure and class. His debut tour in Sri Lanka was equally impressive, where he set a world record for six dismissals in a T20I, an unmatched feat on debut.
Key Highlight: Fastest rise among keeper-batsmen in recent BLACKCAPS history.
Muhammad Abbas (Wellington)
Role: Allrounder | Age: 21
Abbas is arguably the breakout star of 2025. On his ODI debut against Pakistan in March, he smashed a breathtaking 52 off just 26 balls, recording the fastest half-century on debut in men’s ODIs. He also claimed his maiden wicket by dismissing seasoned batter Mohammad Rizwan.
Key Highlight: Rare combination of power-hitting and left-arm pace — a potential game-changer in white-ball formats.
Zak Foulkes (Canterbury)
Role: Allrounder | Age: 22
After replacing Adam Milne in the T20I squad against Pakistan last year, Foulkes quickly established himself as a utility player. He made his ODI debut in November and continues to impress with his balanced contributions in both departments.
Key Highlight: Proven versatility with consistent domestic and A-team performances.
Adi Ashok (Auckland)
Role: Leg-spinner | Age: 22
Adi Ashok is the BLACKCAPS’ rising spin sensation. After debuting in 2023, Ashok returned to the ODI squad this year and recently notched a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh A in Sylhet — further strengthening his case as New Zealand’s spin leader in the making.
Key Highlight: Only 22 and already a go-to spinner for New Zealand A.
Selection Strategy: Performance-Driven, Future-Oriented
The final 20 contracts were awarded after a comprehensive review led by NZC’s Chief High Performance Officer Bryan Stronach, alongside BLACKCAPS Head Coach Gary Stead, selector Sam Wells, and assistants Jacob Oram and Luke Ronchi.
The selection emphasized players’ performances across Test, ODI, and T20I formats and was aligned with the 2025-26 calendar, including marquee events like the ICC T20 World Cup.
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink lauded the introduction of new talent, stating:
“The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi, and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system. These players have shown they can compete at the highest level, and their hunger to represent the BLACKCAPS is exciting.”
He added:
“With a packed season ahead, including the ICC T20 World Cup in February, these players are ready to make their mark and inspire fans across New Zealand.”
Notable Omissions & Contract Updates
Several key players from the previous season did not receive central contracts this time:
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Tim Southee (retired)
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Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, Josh Clarkson
Meanwhile, casual playing contract discussions are ongoing for prominent names like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson — a signal that their roles may be more selective or transitional in the coming season.
Full BLACKCAPS Central Contract List for 2025–26
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Muhammad Abbas
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Adithya Ashok
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Tom Blundell
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Michael Bracewell
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Mark Chapman
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Jacob Duffy
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Zak Foulkes
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Mitch Hay
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Matt Henry
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Kyle Jamieson
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Tom Latham
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Daryl Mitchell
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Henry Nicholls
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William O’Rourke
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Glenn Phillips
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Rachin Ravindra
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Mitchell Santner
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Ben Sears
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Nathan Smith
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Will Young
The BLACKCAPS’ 2025-26 central contract announcement offers more than a glimpse into the future — it’s a blueprint for success built around youth, diversity, and adaptability. Mitch Hay, Muhammad Abbas, Zak Foulkes, and Adi Ashok represent the evolution of New Zealand cricket, carrying with them the hopes of a nation eyeing silverware in the coming season.
