New Zealand has included several new cricketers in its central contract list, including Pakistan-born Muhammad Abbas.
As per details, Pakistan-born batter Muhammad Abbas has entered the New Zealand central contract list this season. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay has also earned his maiden contract.
In their recent home ODI series against Pakistan in April 2025, Abbas scored a brilliant half-century in just 24 balls. He hit the fastest fifty-plus score on debut in the 50-over format. Hay also notched up a 99 not-out knock off 78 deliveries, which included seven sixes and as many boundaries, in the second match of that series.
Apart from these two, pacer Zak Foulkes and leg-spinner Adithya Ashok are the two other newcomers who have been added to the national contract alongside 16 other New Zealand players. They have made 11 and three appearances, respectively, for New Zealand in international cricket so far.
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has decided not to engage in a central contract. A few other star Kiwi players, including Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert, have also decided to join Williamson on that list. However, the regulatory board of the Black Caps is yet to decide on their casual playing contracts.
