Mark Chapman has opted for a casual playing contract with New Zealand Cricket after securing a deal to compete in the BBL in Australia starting in December.
He has left his full‑time New Zealand contract and joins Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert, who also have casual agreements allowing them to play in the Australian BBL during the peak of the domestic summer rather than in New Zealand. He will feature in the November white‑ball series against India before traveling to Australia. His BBL club remains 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 overlaps with New Zealand’s Test tour of Australia. Although Chapman has not played first‑class cricket since 2024 and has never appeared in a Test, he was selected for the Indian squad in 2024. Earlier this year he requested not to be included on the Test ranking list when NZC finalized its initial contract roster.
His removal from the primary contract list has enabled fast bowler Matt Fisher to receive a contract, with selector Gavin Larsen noting that depth in fast bowling will be crucial given New Zealand’s upcoming Test series 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 appeared in one Test against Zimbabwe in 2025, three ODIs and one T20I.
