Islamabad, June 3, 2025: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on June 3 has announced the names of 20 players selected for central contracts for the 2025–26 season, featuring four newcomers: wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay, all-rounder Muhammad Abbas, fast bowler Zak Foulkes, and leg-spinner Adi Ashok.
Surprisingly, seasoned players Kane Williamson and Devon Conway have been excluded once again. Other recognized figures like Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson were also left off the list.
NZC said discussions are ongoing with some of these players for possible short-term or part-time contracts. Tim Southee was not considered following his retirement, while Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Josh have also been dropped.
NZC’s CEO, Scott Weenink, said the new players are the growing talent in the country and that these young players have the potential to take the national team forward.
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“The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system,” Scott Weenink said.
“These players have shown they can compete at the highest level and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. We´re thrilled to see this group drive our team forward.”
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Among the four, Mitchell Hay has impressed as a wicketkeeper-batsman, especially after an unbeaten 99-run knock against Pakistan in an ODI. Muhammad Abbas caught attention with a rapid half-century on debut, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls.
Zak Foulkes, with 13 wickets in 10 T20Is and an average of 23.46, has shown consistency as a pace option. Adi Ashok, though still new to international cricket, has made appearances in both ODI and T20I formats, claiming at least one wicket in each.
