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New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has moved to a casual playing contract with the national team after securing an opportunity to play in Australia\u2019s Big Bash League (BBL) in December.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The 32-year-old will remain available for New Zealand\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Chapman expressed his gratitude to NZC while reaffirming his commitment to the India series.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career,\u201d Chapman said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe upcoming India series is one all of us players are really excited for, and I\u2019m committed wholeheartedly to performing in that series.\u201d<\/p>\n The BBL schedule overlaps with New Zealand\u2019s Test tour of Australia, but Chapman has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and is yet to make his Test debut.<\/p>\n He was included in New Zealand\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Chapman\u2019s move has opened a place on New Zealand\u2019s main contract list for fast bowler Matt Fisher.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n