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Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has once again declined a central contract from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), raising significant speculation over his availability for upcoming assignments, including the two-Test series in Zimbabwe scheduled for late July and early August 2025.
Kane Williamson declines central contract again
This marks the second consecutive year Williamson has opted out of a central deal, preferring the flexibility to participate in global T20 leagues. In 2024, despite not being centrally contracted, Williamson signed a casual playing agreement and featured in nine out of New Zealand’s 13 Test matches, amassing over 1,000 runs, a testament to his continued dominance and value in red-ball cricket.
As New Zealand Cricket unveiled their central contract list for the 2025–26 season on June 3, Williamson’s absence was noted alongside that of Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson, all of whom have increasingly aligned with franchise cricket abroad. Williamson is currently active in the England domestic circuit, representing Middlesex in both the County Championship and the T20 Blast, and is set to play for London Spirit in The Hundred during New Zealand’s Test tour of Zimbabwe.
New Zealand contracts reflect youth surge and transition
New Zealand Cricket’s latest central contracts announcement for the 2025–26 season marks a period of transition, with a strong emphasis on emerging talent. Allrounders Muhammad Abbas and Zak Foulkes, wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay and leg-spinner Adi Ashok have been awarded central contracts for the first time, signaling a generational shift in the Black Caps setup. This comes amid the retirement of veteran pacer Tim Southee and the exclusion of Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel and Josh Clarkson, who were not offered contracts.
Also READ: BCCI central contracts list for 2024–25: Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan return after brief omission
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink stated that the inclusion of these four newcomers is a reflection of the “incredible talent coming through our system” and emphasized their capacity to compete at the highest level. He also highlighted their passion for the national team and expressed excitement about the energy they bring to the squad.
“The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system. These players have shown they can compete at the highest level, and their hunger to represent the BLACKCAPS is exciting. We’re thrilled to see this group drive our team forward. The list captures the depth and versatility of our talent pool. With a packed season ahead, including the ICC T20 World Cup in February, these players are ready to make their mark and inspire fans across New Zealand,” Weenink was quoted as saying by the ICC
New Zealand names 2025-26 contract list
Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, William O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
