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Bracewell becomes 6th new zealand player casual contract in season nick kelly replacement arste
Confirmed
In Short: Michael Bracewell has become the latest New Zealand player to opt for a casual contract as he pursues an opportunity in Australia's Big Bash League.
Michael Bracewell, a 35-year-old all-rounder, has decided to relinquish his spot on the central contract list with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to pursue an opportunity in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) for the 2026-27 season.
Bracewell, who has 105 international caps, expressed gratitude for NZC's support in allowing him to take this opportunity at this stage of his career.
In his place, NZC has named Nick Kelly, a 33-year-old left-handed batter, as the new central contract holder. Kelly, who has 15 international caps, including two matches as T20I captain, will earn his first national contract eleven years after making his First Class debut.
Bracewell remains available for New Zealand's upcoming five-match T20I series against India, which starts on October 22. He said he was looking forward to facing India later this month.
Black Caps Head Coach Rob Walter praised Kelly's performances, noting that the player's hard work and consistency in domestic cricket earned him the opportunity.
"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.
Bracewell's decision to switch to a casual contract follows a trend that began in 2022 when seamer Trent Boult became the first high-profile player to do so.
Other players who have opted for casual contracts include Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Tim Seifert, and Finn Allen.
Despite the change in contract status, Bracewell remains committed to the Black Caps and is looking forward to the upcoming India series.
"The backing from New Zealand Cricket for me to take this opportunity at this stage of my career means a lot," Bracewell said.
"I’ve also got my eyes firmly fixed on the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural NZ20 which is set to be introduced from next summer," he added.
What this adds
Bracewell's decision to pursue opportunities in the BBL and NZ20 highlights the growing trend of players opting for casual contracts to explore international leagues.
The shift in contract status does not affect Bracewell's availability for the upcoming India series, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to the national team.
What's confirmed
- “The backing from New Zealand Cricket for me to take this opportunity at this stage of my career means a lot,” Bracewell said.
- Experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell has become to the latest player from New Zealand to opt for a casual playing contract with the Black Caps.
- Bracewell has decided to relinquish his spot on the central contract list as he chases an opportunity in Australia's domestic Big Bash League, with left-handed batter Nick Kelly named as his replacement.
- Black Caps Head Coach Rob Walter, who coached Kelly for two seasons at Otago, said it was pleasing to be able to reward him with his first central contract.
- “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," he said.
- The 35-year-old will be replaced on the central contract list by Northern Districts batter and former Wellington Firebirds captain Nick Kelly, who earns his first national contract eleven years after making his First Class debut.
- “I’ve also got my eyes firmly fixed on the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural NZ20 which is set to be introduced from next summer."
What's still developing
- Michael Bracewell's game-changing spell | POTM Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025 Kelly earns an upgrade to a full-time contract for the first time in his career and New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the 33-year-old thoroughly deserved the opportunity on the back of some strong efforts at domestic level.
- Walter said that Kelly, who has scored three half-centuries in his last four ODIs, deserved his opportunity.
- “Nick stuck his hand up with his performances against Bangladesh and the West Indies in what was at times challenging batting conditions,” said Walter.
- The 33-year-old has played eight ODIs and seven T20Is for New Zealand.
- He noted that, as a white-ball-only player, the chance was too good to decline, while emphasising his ongoing commitment to the Black Caps and the forthcoming India series.
- As a white-ball only player, this felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up.