Opener Devon Conway has returned to New Zealand's central contracts list for the 2026-27 season. Announcing the 20-member list, NZC also confirmed the return of pace bowler Blair Tickner with Adithya Ashok and Muhammad Abbas making way for the duo.

Conway had only been on a casual playing agreement with NZC over the last two years as a result of his involvement in multiple T20 leagues around the world. 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. "Devon has been a regular member of the side in all three formats for some time now, even whilst on a casual contract, so 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." 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. "Blair has worked extremely hard over the past few years and added new levels to his game," Walter said. "He's an excellent team man and has stepped into various roles for the side over the past few months and excelled in them. 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 be present in the central contracts list only as white-ball specialists. Over the next few weeks, NZC will make announcements on the casual playing agreements, for which the discussions are already underway. The likes of Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert among others are expected to be in contention to sign casual contracts.