Mark Chapman opts for New Zealand casual contract to feature in BBL

New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has given up his full-time contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and moved to a casual playing deal after securing a contract to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia this December.

The move places Chapman alongside Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert, who are also on casual contracts that allow them to participate in the BBL during New Zealand's home summer.

Chapman remains committed to New Zealand's white-ball campaign and is expected to feature in the November series against India before travelling to Australia for the BBL. His BBL franchise has not yet been announced.

The BBL overlaps with New Zealand's Test tour of Australia, but Chapman has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and has never represented the Black Caps in a Test. He was previously included in New Zealand's Test squad in India in 2024.

Chapman's departure from the full-time contract list has opened the door for fast bowler Matt Fisher, who has been promoted to the central contract list.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen highlighted the importance of strengthening the team's pace-bowling depth ahead of a demanding schedule featuring Test series against India, Australia and Sri Lanka.

Fisher has already represented New Zealand in one Test, three ODIs and one T20I. His ability to generate express pace has been identified as a valuable addition to the Black Caps' bowling resources.

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