New Zealand midfield contracts 2026-27: Devon Conway returns, but TWO stars drop from list

New Zealand midfield contracts 2026-27: Devon Conway returns, but TWO stars drop from list appeared first on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Favorite Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Devon Conway and Blair Tickner replace Adi Ashok and Muhammad Abbas on the contract list.

• Bracewell and Chapman came out of Test cricket, always white-ball specialists.

• The new list comes shortly after Kane Williamson’s retirement from international cricket.

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Devon Conway, Blair Tickner get international contracts for New Zealand as Williamson retires.

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed Devon Conway and Blair Tickner as the new additions to its 20-man medium-contract squad for the 2026-27 season, replacing Adi Ashok and Muhammad Abbas.

NZC has made a few changes to the lineup following the retirement of Kane Williamson.

Conway has re-entered the mid-range contract list after spending the past two seasons on a play-by-play deal.

With Williamson retired and New Zealand looking to the most important stage of Test cricket, Conway has made himself available for all international matches in the upcoming contract window, from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027.

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“Devon has been a regular member of the squad in all three programs for a long time, even on contract, so it’s good to have a player of his caliber back on the mid-contract list, especially with some exciting cricket ahead.” head coach Rob Walter said.

Meanwhile, Tickner’s inclusion comes after consistent form across all formats. He has taken four or more wickets in his last eight international innings and claimed his first five wickets in one Test against Ireland at Stormont last month.

“It’s been a long time, so it was good news to hear. I’ve been working on it,” he said. “So, no, it was just a great experience, I think, for me and the family to come back to the lineup after a few years off. It’s amazing to be so close to nature and feel like you’re part of the cog going forward is always special.

“I wanted to play for New Zealand a lot and play well in the team and whatever came of it, came of it. And luckily, you know, the contract came my way. But it’s amazing, like I said, to be part of the team going forward.”

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Bracewell and Chapman retire from Test cricket

NZC also confirmed that Michael Bracewell and Mark Chapman have both asked to be considered for Test selection. However, instead they chose to stay in the middle line as white ball specialists.

The NZC will also make announcements about regular playing deals in the coming weeks, with negotiations already underway. Players like Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert are among those who are expected to be in contention for those agreements.

Intermediate Contract List for 2026-27:

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