New Zealand Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
New Zealand has always been known as the “dark horse” of international cricket. Even though they don’t have many players, they have proven themselves to be one of the most consistent cricketing nations in every match. From reaching the World Cup final to the World Test Championship (2021), New Zealand cricket has carved out a place for itself among the best in the world.
For the 2025-26 season, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced central contracts for 20 players. However, there are some notable changes in the list. The most notable of them is the continued absence of former captain Kane Williamson. Additionally, senior bowler Tim Southee retired in December 2024, leaving only his legacy.
Let’s check out the blog here and see the complete list of New Zealand’s contracted players, their estimated annual salaries and the grade-wise structure.
Kane Williamson Rejects Central Contract Again
Kane Williamson rejected a central contract offer for the second consecutive season. He was already removed from the 2024-25 contract list. But he still continues to play international cricket on a casual contract basis, including the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The decision comes as the team seeks to balance both its international games and T20 leagues around the world. NZC is currently in talks with Williamson for a casual contract. In addition to him, they are also in talks with players such as Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert. These casual deals allow flexibility as their availability is mandatory for international tournaments.
Tim Southee’s Retirement And Other Commissions
The other major change in the 2025-26 contract list is the absence of Tim Southee, New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers.
Other names missing from the contracts include:
- Ajaz Patel – a left-arm spinner famous for taking 10 wickets in a single innings against India.
- Josh Clarkson – a promising all-rounder.
- Ish Sodhi – a veteran leg-spinner who has been a key part of New Zealand’s white-ball setup.
In his place, the NZC has given new contracts to new talents through central contracts.
Four New Faces on The Contract List
To replace the outgoing players, the NZC has offered contracts to four promising cricketers:
- Zach Foulkes
- Mitch Hay
- Aditya Ashok
- Muhammad Abbas
These players have impressed in the domestic circuit and show enough promise to move up to the international level. Their selection reflects New Zealand’s long-term vision of building a team that can remain competitive across all formats.
Complete List of New Zealand Cricket Players And Their Salaries (2025-26)
Here is the complete list of New Zealand’s contracted players for the upcoming season along with their estimated annual salary range:
| Player | Contract | Estimated Annual Salary (NZ$) |
|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Abbas | New Central Contract | 165 k–318 k |
| Zak Foulkes | New Central Contract | 165 k–318 k |
| Mitch Hay | New Central Contract | 165 k–318 k |
| Adithya Ashok | New Central Contract | 165 k–318 k |
| Tom Blundell | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Michael Bracewell | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Mark Chapman | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Jacob Duffy | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Matt Henry | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Kyle Jamieson | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Tom Latham | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Daryl Mitchell | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Henry Nicholls | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Will O’Rourke | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Glenn Phillips | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Rachin Ravindra | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Mitchell Santner | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Ben Sears | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Nathan Smith | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
| Will Young | Retained | 165 k–318 k |
Salary Structure And Match Fees
While the base salary range for central contracts is between NZ$165,000 and NZ$318,000, the final payment is based on the player’s performance. Senior players such as Tom Latham, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell are expected to be at the higher end of this range.
In addition to the annual salary, players also earn:
- Match fee – paid for each Test, ODI or T20I appearance.
- Bonuses – based on the team’s performance in ICC tournaments and bilateral series wins.
- Franchise cricket – Many New Zealand players participate in leagues such as the IPL, BBL, The Hundred and CPL. as it significantly increases their total earnings.
Impact of Contract Rejections
The rejections by Williamson, Conway, Ferguson, Seifert and Finn Allen highlight the growing challenge for NZC. Central contracts are set to provide both financial stability and a guaranteed income. But they still cannot afford to pay out more against franchise leagues.
To balance this, NZC has started offering casual contracts. These give players flexibility while securing their services for major ICC events. This approach could be the future of New Zealand cricket contracts.
Read More: Sri Lanka Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
Conclusion
The New Zealand cricket players’ salaries for 2025-26 reflect both continuity and change. Kane Williamson’s absence and Tim Southee’s retirement mark the end of an era, but also the beginning of a transition for New Zealand cricket. With flexible contracts, new talent and structured salaries, the Black Caps are looking to remain competitive on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why did Kane Williamson turn down a New Zealand central contract for 2025-26?
Kane Williamson turned down a central contract to maintain flexibility in his career. By opting out, he could prioritize T20 leagues around the world despite being available for New Zealand.
Q2. How much do New Zealand cricketers earn under a central contract?
Players under a central contract for 2025-26 earn between NZ$165,000 and NZ$318,000 annually. The exact amount depends on factors such as seniority, role and performance.
Q3. Do New Zealand players earn more from international cricket or franchise leagues?
While central contracts provide a stable income, franchise leagues often pay much higher amounts. For example, a New Zealand player participating in the IPL can earn millions of dollars in just two months.
Q4. How does New Zealand Cricket decide who gets a central contract?
NZC makes decisions based on a player’s past performance and future availability for cricket. Players who regularly participate in Tests, ODIs and T20Is are given priority.
Q5. What is the future of New Zealand’s central contract system?
The future of New Zealand’s central contract system could see more flexible contracts, such as casual contracts. As senior players reject central contracts, NZC will have to adapt to retain top talent.
