Conway, Tickner returns to NZ central contracts list for 2026-27 season

For the 2026-27 season, opener Devon Conway has been added back to New Zealand's central contracts list. NZC also confirmed the return of pace bowler Blair Tickner, replacing Adithya Ashok and Muhammad Abbas on the 20-member roster.

Due to his involvement in numerous T20 leagues worldwide, Conway had only been on a casual playing agreement with NZC for the past two years. But with New Zealand now entering a significant period in Test cricket in particular, Conway has now made himself available for the national team to play all the international fixtures during this contract period (August 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027).

Conway's presence will be a massive boost for a side that will be depleted by the recent retirement of Kane Williamson. "It's great to have a player of his calibre back on the central contract list, especially with the amount of exciting cricket coming up." Devon has been a regular member of the side in all three formats for some time now, even while on a casual contract. Head Coach Rob Walter said.

Tickner on the other hand has put in impressive performances for the national side and for Central Stag on the domestic circuit in recent times, that includes a five-wicket haul against Ireland in the one-off Test. Walter stated, "Blair has worked very hard over the past few years and added new levels to his game." He has performed admirably in a variety of roles for the team over the past few months and is an excellent team player. It's important we continue to nurture that depth in our bowling stocks, especially with a heavy diet of red-ball cricket over the next 12 months, so to have Blair contracted full-time will help maintain that depth."

Zak Foulkes and Mitch Hay, who were both handed central contracts last time, have been retained in the list after featuring in all three formats for New Zealand over the last 12 months. NZC also confirmed that Michael Bracewell and Mark Chapman have both requested the board not to be ranked in Test cricket.

As a result, the duo will only be listed as white-ball specialists on the central contracts list. NZC will announce the casual playing agreements over the next few weeks, which are already the subject of discussion. The likes of Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert among others are expected to be in contention to sign casual contracts.

Central Contract List for 2026-27 - Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young