New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has opted to shift to a casual playing contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) after signing a deal to play in the BBL in Australia in December.
Chapman has stepped away from his full-time contract with New Zealand and joins Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert on casual deals which allows them to play in the BBL in Australia during the height of their home summer instead of playing domestically in New Zealand. He will play in the November white-ball series against India before heading to Australia. The identity of his BBL club has yet to be confirmed.
"I'm thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career," Chapman said. "The upcoming India series is one all us players are really excited for, and I'm committed wholeheartedly to performing in that series."
The BBL coincides with New Zealand's Test tour of Australia but Chapman has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and has never played a Test despite being called into the squad in India in 2024. Earlier this year he had asked not to be ranked in Test cricket when NZC determined their initial contract list.
Chapman's withdrawal from the main list has allowed fast bowler Matt Fisher to be handed a deal, with selector Gavin Larsen stating that fast bowling depth will be important given the Test schedule New Zealand face in the coming months against India, Australia and Sri Lanka.
"With the heavy schedule of cricket coming up, notably the Test matches against India, Australia, and Sri Lanka, we know we'll need good depth in our fast-bowling stocks to give the Black Caps the best chance of success," he said. "Matt is someone able to bowl that express pace which is extremely valuable to the balance of any side, so we're excited to have him on the central contract list."
Fisher has played one Test, against Zimbabwe in 2025, alongside three ODIs and one T20I.