Chapman’s Casual Call Opens Door for Fisher’s Maiden New Zealand Contract

Mark Chapman has opted for a shift in his international career trajectory. The New Zealand batter has chosen to move from a central contract to a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket for the 2026-27 season, a decision that prioritizes an opportunity in Australia’s Big Bash League later this year .

Northern Districts fast bowler Matt Fisher joins the central contract list! ✍️

The 26 year old has represented the BLACKCAPS in all three formats and comes onto the central contract list for the first time in his career. pic.twitter.com/8cPTWzlmBk

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 7, 2026

The 32-year-old left-hander, who has appeared in 150 international matches for the Blackcaps, will remain available for selection in the upcoming white-ball series against India on home soil in November . He joins a growing list of New Zealand players on casual contracts, including Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert, a group that is permitted to pursue franchise opportunities like the BBL during the New Zealand home summer .

Despite the contractual shift, Chapman has affirmed his dedication to the national side. “I’m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career,” Chapman said in a statement . “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 is scheduled to run from December 12 to January 26, a period that coincides with New Zealand’s four-Test tour of Australia and white-ball fixtures against Sri Lanka . For Chapman, this overlap is of less consequence as he has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and has never represented the Blackcaps in a Test match. He had previously requested not to be considered for Test ranking when NZC finalised its initial contract list earlier this year .

Chapman’s decision has created a significant opportunity for Northern Districts fast bowler Matthew Fisher, who has earned his first-ever central contract . Fisher’s inclusion completes New Zealand Cricket’s list of 20 centrally contracted Blackcaps for the 2026-27 season, reinforcing the importance of fast-bowling depth for the upcoming international schedule .

                                               

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