Conway Returns as Cricbuzz New Zealand Rejigs 2026-27 Contracts
Cricbuzz: Devon Conway and Blair Tickner are back on New Zealand’s 2026-27 central contract list, and the 20-player group now carries the shape of a long red-ball stretch ahead. Conway’s return ends two years on a casual playing agreement, while the list changes also push Adithya Ashok and Muhammad Abbas off the Black Caps contracts.
Conway Back On Full Terms
Conway returns after a spell that took him through two South Africa SA20 deals, one with Johannesburg Super Kings in 2025 and another with Durban’s Super Giants this year. The top-order batter brings 146 international caps and more than 6000 runs across all formats into a contracting period that runs from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027.
He will be available for all international fixtures across that window. For New Zealand, that is the practical shift: a regular all-format batter is now back in the central group rather than operating outside it.
Tickner’s Case Built On Wickets
Tickner earned his recall the hard way. He has taken four or more wickets in five of his last eight innings for New Zealand, and last month he posted his maiden international five-wicket bag against Ireland in the one-off test match at Stormont.
His form has run across the Central Stags and the national side, which is why the recall sits alongside Conway’s rather than standing as a separate call-up. Walter said it was pleasing to see both players back, and he added that Tickner had worked extremely hard over the past few years and added new levels to his game. He also described him as an excellent team man who had stepped into various roles and excelled in them.
Black Caps Depth Shift
The list changes are not only about two arrivals. Adithya Ashok and Muhammad Abbas come off the central contract list, while Zak Foulkes and Mitch Hay keep their places after first being added last year.
Foulkes has already played 36 internationals and was central to the one-day series win against England with seven wickets. Hay has 23 caps, made his test debut in Wellington against the West Indies in December, scored 61 in his only innings, and took three catches behind the stumps.
Michael Bracewell and Mark Chapman remain on the list as white-ball specialists after requesting not to be ranked in test cricket. That leaves New Zealand with a 20-player contract group shaped for a period that includes 14 Tests in 12 months, and Walter said having Conway back full-time will help maintain depth in bowling stocks and across the wider international load.
