New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell will move to a casual contract for the 2026-27 season as he pursues an opportunity in Australia's Big Bash League, the country's cricket board (NZC) announced on Monday.
The 35-year-old, who has played 105 times for New Zealand across all three formats, will still feature in the limited-overs series against India beginning later this month.
The casual contract system
Bracewell joins Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert among New Zealand players who have opted for the casual contract system, which allows them to play in high-paying Twenty20 leagues while remaining available for national duty.
"As a white-ball only player, this felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up," Bracewell said in a statement. "I'm still very much committed to the Black Caps and can't wait to be involved in the upcoming India tour and future white-ball series."
The replacement
Batter Nick Kelly will replace Bracewell on NZC's central contract list, the board confirmed.
The move reflects a wider shift in international cricket, where franchise leagues increasingly compete with national contracts for players' commitments — particularly for white-ball specialists entering the later stages of their careers.
Sources:
New Zealand's Bracewell shifts to casual contract, eyes BBL opportunity – Reuters
The 35-year-old, who has played 105 times for New Zealand across all three formats, will still feature in the limited-overs series against India beginning later this month.
The casual contract system
Bracewell joins Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert among New Zealand players who have opted for the casual contract system, which allows them to play in high-paying Twenty20 leagues while remaining available for national duty.
"As a white-ball only player, this felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up," Bracewell said in a statement. "I'm still very much committed to the Black Caps and can't wait to be involved in the upcoming India tour and future white-ball series."
The replacement
Batter Nick Kelly will replace Bracewell on NZC's central contract list, the board confirmed.
The move reflects a wider shift in international cricket, where franchise leagues increasingly compete with national contracts for players' commitments — particularly for white-ball specialists entering the later stages of their careers.
Sources:
New Zealand's Bracewell shifts to casual contract, eyes BBL opportunity – Reuters
