WELLINGTON : Batter Devon Conway and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been recalled to New Zealand Cricket’s list of 20 centrally contracted players for the 2026-27 season, the governing body said on Wednesday.
Conway returns to a full-time national contract after spending the past two years on a casual playing agreement that allowed him greater flexibility to participate in franchise competitions around the world.
The top-order batter’s return comes at a significant time for New Zealand as they prepare for a demanding schedule of test cricket and continue adjusting to life after the recent retirement of former captain 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 list, especially with the amount of exciting cricket coming up,” head coach Rob Walter said in a statement.
Tickner also earned a return to the central contract list following a string of strong performances across formats for both Central Stags and New Zealand.
“Blair has worked extremely hard over the past few years and added new levels to his game,” Walter said.
“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.”
Spinner Adithya Ashok and batter Muhammad Abbas were omitted from the list to accommodate the return of Conway and Tickner.
New Zealand Cricket also said all-rounder Michael Bracewell and batter Mark Chapman had requested central contracts as white-ball specialists.
The 20-player central contract list for 2026-27 comprises 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 and Will Young.
New Zealand face a busy international calendar over the next year, with an extensive schedule of test cricket expected to place increased emphasis on squad depth and player availability.
