New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has moved to a casual playing contract with the national team after securing an opportunity to play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) in December.
Chapman has stepped away from his full-time New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contract, joining Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert on casual deals that allow them to participate in the BBL during the New Zealand domestic summer.
The 32-year-old will remain available for New Zealand’s white-ball series against India in November before heading across the Tasman for the BBL. His franchise for the upcoming season has not yet been confirmed.
Chapman expressed his gratitude to NZC while reaffirming his commitment to the India series.
“I’m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career,” Chapman said.
“The upcoming India series is one all of us players are really excited for, and I’m committed wholeheartedly to performing in that series.”
The BBL schedule overlaps with New Zealand’s Test tour of Australia, but Chapman has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and is yet to make his Test debut.
He was included in New Zealand’s Test squad for the tour of India in 2024 but did not feature. Earlier this year, Chapman also asked not to be considered for Test cricket when NZC finalised its initial contract list.
Chapman’s move has opened a place on New Zealand’s main contract list for fast bowler Matt Fisher.
Fisher has one Test appearance to his name, having featured against Zimbabwe in 2025. He has also represented New Zealand in three ODIs and one T20I.
