Overview
- Mark Chapman has shifted from a New Zealand central contract to a casual contract to pursue an Australian Big Bash League opportunity while remaining available for national selection.
- New Zealand Cricket confirmed Chapman will be listed with other casually contracted players but selection for the India home series and other tours remains at NZC’s discretion.
- Chapman's move opened a central-contract vacancy that Northern Districts fast bowler Matthew Fisher filled with his first central deal, completing NZC’s 20-player central list.
- NZC framed the changes as a response to a crowded home schedule that begins with a multi-format India tour and includes Tests against Australia and Sri Lanka, which increases the need for fast-bowling depth and workload management.
- Under NZC rules a casual contract lets players chase overseas T20 pay while staying eligible for selection, a trade-off many white-ball specialists accept because the Big Bash offers high pay and visibility.