Michael Bracewell opts out of New Zeadland central contract, set to pursue BBL opportunity
toi
newspoint|05-10-2026
Michael Bracewell has opted for a change in contract status to keep his white-ball career open to opportunities overseas, with the New Zealand all-rounder set to move to a casual contract for the 2026-27 season and pursue a stint in the Big Bash League .
The 35-year-old remains firmly in New Zealand’s plans despite dropping off the central contract list. Bracewell will join Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert among the Blackcaps ’ casually contracted players.
Bracewell keeps Blackcaps commitment intact
Bracewell’s decision comes as New Zealand Cricket continues to provide greater flexibility to established white-ball players seeking opportunities in overseas leagues. Despite moving to a casual deal, Bracewell will remain available for New Zealand and is expected to be part of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India.
"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 Blackcaps and can't wait to be involved in the upcoming India tour and future white-ball series."
Bracewell also has his sights set on New Zealand’s upcoming domestic T20 competition , saying he is eager to feature in the inaugural NZ20 from next summer.
Nick Kelly earns first New Zealand contract
Bracewell’s departure from the central contract list has opened the door for Northern Districts batter Nick Kelly, who has earned his first national contract 11 years after making his first-class debut. The 33-year-old made his international debut in March 2025 and has since represented New Zealand in eight ODIs and seven T20Is. He also captained the side in two T20Is against Bangladesh earlier this year after stepping in for the injured Tom Latham.
Kelly arrives on the back of a productive stint with Leicestershire, where he accumulated 950 runs across formats. He also struck his sixth List A century in the One Day Cup final against Middlesex.
Rob Walter backs experienced Kelly
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter, who worked with Kelly for two seasons at Otago, believes the batter's consistency and experience have finally earned him a place among the country's contracted players.
"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.
Walter also pointed to the benefits of introducing players to international cricket later in their careers, particularly when they have already developed a strong understanding of their game.
"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," he added.
Kelly's experience adds depth
Kelly has scored three fifties in his last four ODIs, further strengthening his case for a regular role in New Zealand's white-ball setup. Walter believes Kelly’s extensive experience could prove particularly valuable, with the batter having played more than 300 professional matches.
"Nick stuck his hand up with his performances against Bangladesh and the West Indies in what was at times challenging batting conditions, he has more than 300 professional matches under his belt and is one of the best fielders in the country, so he adds a lot to our contracted group," Walter said.
The 35-year-old remains firmly in New Zealand’s plans despite dropping off the central contract list. Bracewell will join Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert among the Blackcaps ’ casually contracted players.
Bracewell keeps Blackcaps commitment intact
Bracewell’s decision comes as New Zealand Cricket continues to provide greater flexibility to established white-ball players seeking opportunities in overseas leagues. Despite moving to a casual deal, Bracewell will remain available for New Zealand and is expected to be part of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India.
"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 Blackcaps and can't wait to be involved in the upcoming India tour and future white-ball series."
Bracewell also has his sights set on New Zealand’s upcoming domestic T20 competition , saying he is eager to feature in the inaugural NZ20 from next summer.
Nick Kelly earns first New Zealand contract
Bracewell’s departure from the central contract list has opened the door for Northern Districts batter Nick Kelly, who has earned his first national contract 11 years after making his first-class debut. The 33-year-old made his international debut in March 2025 and has since represented New Zealand in eight ODIs and seven T20Is. He also captained the side in two T20Is against Bangladesh earlier this year after stepping in for the injured Tom Latham.
Kelly arrives on the back of a productive stint with Leicestershire, where he accumulated 950 runs across formats. He also struck his sixth List A century in the One Day Cup final against Middlesex.
Rob Walter backs experienced Kelly
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter, who worked with Kelly for two seasons at Otago, believes the batter's consistency and experience have finally earned him a place among the country's contracted players.
"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.
Walter also pointed to the benefits of introducing players to international cricket later in their careers, particularly when they have already developed a strong understanding of their game.
"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," he added.
Kelly's experience adds depth
Kelly has scored three fifties in his last four ODIs, further strengthening his case for a regular role in New Zealand's white-ball setup. Walter believes Kelly’s extensive experience could prove particularly valuable, with the batter having played more than 300 professional matches.
"Nick stuck his hand up with his performances against Bangladesh and the West Indies in what was at times challenging batting conditions, he has more than 300 professional matches under his belt and is one of the best fielders in the country, so he adds a lot to our contracted group," Walter said.
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