New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has taken the call to shift to a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket for the 2026-27 season, in order to be available to feature in the Big Bash League.

Chapman has opted out of a central contract but remains available for New Zealand’s upcoming home series against India, alongside four other players on similar casual contracts - Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert. The BBL 2026-27 is scheduled to be played from December 12 to January 26, coinciding with New Zealand's four-Test tour of Australia (December 9 to January 8) and while-ball leg of the home series against Sri Lanka (3 ODIs and the first T20I, on January 26).

"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.”

The spot vacated by Chapman has now gone to Northern Districts fast bowler Matthew Fisher, who gets his first-ever central contract.

“With Matt Fisher coming onto the central contract list, it creates a space at Northern Districts to bring another athlete onto their contract list to continue their  development. Matt has impressed with the opportunities he’s had for the BLACKCAPS, and his pace is definitely something we want to nurture," New Zealand Cricket Chief High Performance Officer Daryl Gibson.

New Zealand's selection manager Gavin Larsen explained Fisher's selection down to needing fast bowling depth for a busy season ahead.

“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 BLACKCAPS the best chance of success. 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," Larsen said.

New Zealand face a packed schedule across the coming home summer, starting with a 12-game series against India that includes five ODIs, five T20Is and two Tests, spanning from October 22 to December 1. From mid-January, they host Sri Lanka for a month - for three ODIs, three T20Is and two Tests. Between these two full home series, they have a tour to their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia for four Tests.