Mark Chapman Moves to Casual NZC Contract to Join BBL

New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has opted to move from a full-time New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contract to a casual playing agreement after signing a deal to participate in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) in December.

Chapman will remain available for New Zealand’s upcoming white-ball series against India in November before travelling to Australia for the BBL. His BBL franchise has not yet been confirmed.

The decision places Chapman alongside fellow New Zealand internationals Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert, who are also on casual NZC contracts. The arrangement gives the players greater flexibility to participate in overseas leagues during the New Zealand domestic summer.

“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.”

Chapman’s BBL commitment comes at a time when New Zealand will be touring Australia for a Test series. However, the 30-year-old batter has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and has never represented the Black Caps in Test cricket.

He was previously called into New Zealand’s Test squad for the tour of India in 2024 but did not make his debut. Earlier this year, Chapman also requested not to be considered for Test cricket when NZC finalised its initial central-contract list.

His decision to move off the main contract list has opened a spot for fast bowler Matt Fisher, who has been added to New Zealand Cricket’s central contract list.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the team would need considerable pace-bowling depth with a demanding Test schedule ahead, featuring 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,” Larsen 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 represented New Zealand in one Test, against Zimbabwe in 2025. He has also played three ODIs and one T20I for the Black Caps.

Chapman will now focus on the November white-ball series against India before making the move to Australia for his BBL campaign in December.