New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has moved from a full-time contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to a casual playing agreement after securing an opportunity to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) this December.
The 32-year-old joins Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert on casual contracts, allowing the players to pursue opportunities in the BBL during New Zealand’s domestic summer.
Chapman will remain available for New Zealand’s white-ball series against India in November before travelling to Australia for the BBL. His franchise for the upcoming season has not yet been confirmed.
Expressing his appreciation to NZC, Chapman said he remains fully committed to the India series.
“I’m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career.”
He added that the upcoming series against India is one the players are eagerly anticipating and said he is committed to performing in the series.
The BBL season overlaps with New Zealand’s Test tour of Australia, but Chapman is unlikely to be affected by the clash. He has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and is yet to make his Test debut.
Chapman was part of New Zealand’s Test squad for the tour of India in 2024 but did not feature in a match. Earlier this year, he also asked not to be considered for Test cricket when NZC announced its initial contract list.
Chapman’s departure from the main contract list has opened a place for fast bowler Matt Fisher, who has been promoted to a full New Zealand contract.
Fisher has one Test appearance to his name, having played against Zimbabwe in 2025. He has also represented New Zealand in three ODIs and one T20I.
Chapman’s move highlights the increasing role of overseas franchise leagues in shaping the availability and contracts of international white-ball players.
