New Zealand all-rounder opts for casual playing contract
Michael Bracewell has been replaced by Nick Kelly on the central contract list.
Experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell has become to the latest player from New Zealand to opt for a casual playing contract with the Black Caps.
Bracewell has decided to relinquish his spot on the central contract list as he chases an opportunity in Australia's domestic Big Bash League, with left-handed batter Nick Kelly named as his replacement.
Last month Mark Chapman made a similar move when he decided to opt for a casual playing contract for the 2026/27 season, while Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert are among the other New Zealand players to have previously chosen this option.
Bracewell's brilliant catch | BAN v NZ | Champions Trophy
Bracewell's brilliant catch | BAN v NZ | Champions Trophy
Bracewell has still made himself available for New Zealand's upcoming white-ball series at home against India and the 35-year-old is hoping to add to his 105 international caps.
“The backing from New Zealand Cricket for me to take this opportunity at this stage of my career means a lot,” Bracewell said.
“As a white-ball only player, this felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up. 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."
Michael Bracewell's game-changing spell | POTM Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025
Kelly earns an upgrade to a full-time contract for the first time in his career and New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the 33-year-old thoroughly deserved the opportunity on the back of some strong efforts at domestic level.
“Nick’s been a standout performer in domestic cricket for several seasons now and it’s testament to his hard work that he’s earned this first contract at this stage of his career," Walter said.
“Introducing players like Nick to international cricket a bit later certainly has its advantages in terms of the player knowing their game and being able to trust themselves to perform under pressure.”
New Zealand men's centrally contracted players: Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Zak Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young