Mark Chapman for New Zealand [Source: AFP]New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has stepped away from New Zealand Cricket's central contract list for the 2026-27 season, just weeks before the Black Caps begin a packed international calendar alongside an India series in October. The left-hander, however, has not closed the door on international cricket yet. Chapman's decision comes at a time when New Zealand are preparing for an extremely demanding season and therefore it reflects how Chapman wants to manage his cricketing commitments rather than a goodbye to international cricket.Why Mark Chapman wants to shift to casual contract with New Zealand?Chapman has opted for a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket for the 2026-27 season, allowing him greater flexibility to pursue franchise cricket opportunities, particularly in Australia's Big Bash League. Notably, the BBL will run from December 12 to January 26, overlapping with New Zealand's four-Test tour of Australia and part of their home series against Sri Lanka.Despite moving away from a central contract, Mark Chapman remains committed to New Zealand's immediate international plans. Will Mark Chapman play the India series?The batter made it clear that his decision does not represent a withdrawal from the national side and expressed his gratitude towards New Zealand Cricket.He will be available for the upcoming home series against India and joins Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert as players operating under similar casual-contract arrangements.“I’m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career. The upcoming India series is one all us players are really excited for, and I’m committed wholeheartedly to performing in that series,” Chapman shared.Effectively, this arrangement gives the solid batter and an athletic presence on the field, the opportunity to balance international cricket with overseas franchise commitments while New Zealand retain access to a player who remains part of their plans. Also Read- Jayden Lennox Rises To No. 1 Among New Zealand Spinners After Stellar West Indies ODIsWho will replace Chapman in the central contract?Chapman's departure from the central contract list has opened the door for fast bowler Matthew Fisher, who has earned his first-ever New Zealand central contract. The 25-year-old pacer has impressed whenever opportunities have come his way with the BLACKCAPS and has now been rewarded with a more permanent place within the national setup.The selectors have identified Fisher's pace as a particularly valuable asset. With Tests against India, Australia and Sri Lanka on the horizon, New Zealand want greater depth in their fast-bowling department, and Fisher's ability gives the team another option to work with.Mark Chapman's journey between 2 central contract decisionsChapman first received a New Zealand central contract in December 2022, filling the vacancy created by Martin Guptill's departure. At that point, he had already established himself as a versatile white-ball option, having represented New Zealand in 22 T20Is and five ODIs.Since becoming a central-contract player, Mark Chapman has added considerably to those numbers. Between 2023 and 2026, he has played 30 ODIs, scoring 795 runs at 33.12, including a century and five fifties. His impact has been even greater in T20Is, where he has accumulated 1,301 runs in 72 matches. His best international year during this period came in 2025, when he scored 650 runs across formats at an average of 36.11.Also Read- Marnus Labuschagne Not Alone! Australia Players Who Need To Deliver In South Africa Tests
