Cricket Australia central contract has grabbed headlines after a dramatic shake-up saw key players axed from the list.

Out of the snubbed list, veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been a notable one who was not named in Cricket Australia’s central contract list, raising fresh questions over how the 37-year old fits into the team’s long-term plans.

Glenn Maxwell who retired from ODI cricket last year, making a way for Victorian Matt Short.

The Cricket Australia has announced 21-player list which has no room for Sam Konstas, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Lance Morris and former test opener Usman khawaja.

Meanwhile Todd Murphy, Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald has been included in the list. Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins, along with veteran players Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Starc, along with performers Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head were included in the Australia Central Contract for 2026-27 season.

Australia are set to play Bangladesh in two match test series in August, before clashing South Africa, New Zealand and India in a busy period that will decide whether they earn a place in a third straight World Test Championship final.

Australia tops the WTC 2025-27 standings following a 4-1 series win in the Ashes and selection chair George Bailey said many of the decisions surrounding contracts were made with the busy upcoming schedule in mind.

“The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges,” Bailey said.

“This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle.

“Given the upcoming schedule of series we know we will continue to need and utilise players outside of those contracted.

“This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential we continue working closely with and collaborate with states to ensure players are developing and ready for International cricket when they get opportunities.”

Cricket Australia central contract: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster and Adam Zampa.