Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Mark Chapman moves to casual deal for Big Bash League
Mark Chapman is a New Zealand cricket player.
He changed from a full-time contract to a more flexible casual contract.
This lets him play in Australia’s Big Bash League later this year.
He will still play for New Zealand against India in November.
He is expected to travel to Australia for the Big Bash League in December.
His team in that competition has not yet been announced.
The Big Bash League overlaps with New Zealand’s Test tour of Australia.
New Zealand Cricket used the open contract spot to promote fast bowler Matt Fisher.
Selectors said Fisher’s pace could help during a busy schedule of Test matches.
Mark Chapman has moved from New Zealand Cricket’s full-time contract to a casual playing deal.
He will remain available for New Zealand’s white-ball series against India in November.
Chapman is scheduled to join Australia’s Big Bash League in December, although his franchise is not yet confirmed.
His BBL commitment overlaps with New Zealand’s Test tour of Australia.
Fast bowler Matt Fisher has been promoted to the central contract list to strengthen New Zealand’s pace-bowling depth.
- Who
- New Zealand batter Mark Chapman and fast bowler Matt Fisher are central to the contract changes, with New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen explaining the decision.
- What
- Chapman shifted from a full-time New Zealand Cricket contract to a casual playing deal so he can pursue a Big Bash League opportunity; Fisher was elevated to the central contract list.
- When
- The change was reported on September 8; Chapman is expected to play against India in November and join the Big Bash League in December.
- Where
- Chapman will play in Australia’s Big Bash League, while New Zealand has upcoming series against India, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
- Why
- Chapman wants to pursue the Big Bash League opportunity, while New Zealand Cricket said it needed greater fast-bowling depth for its demanding Test schedule.
- Player
- Mark Chapman, a 32-year-old New Zealand batter
- New contract status
- Casual playing deal with New Zealand Cricket
- Upcoming New Zealand commitment
- White-ball series against India in November
- Big Bash League timing
- Chapman is expected to travel to Australia in December
- BBL franchise
- Not yet confirmed
- Contract replacement
- Matt Fisher was elevated to New Zealand Cricket’s central contract list
- Fisher’s international record
- One Test, three ODIs, and one T20I for New Zealand