Mark Chapman chooses BBL over New Zealand contract

AUCKLAND: New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has opted for greater flexibility in his playing career, moving from a full-time New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contract to a casual deal to pursue an opportunity in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

The 32-year-old left-hander will remain available for New Zealand’s upcoming white-ball commitments, including the highly anticipated home series against India, before potentially travelling across the Tasman for the BBL later this year. His franchise for the upcoming BBL season has not yet been confirmed.

Chapman’s decision puts him in the same contractual category as fellow New Zealand players Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert, who also have casual playing agreements that provide greater freedom to participate in overseas franchise competitions.

New Zealand Cricket confirmed the move on Tuesday, saying Chapman had made the decision to pursue an opportunity in Australia’s domestic T20 competition.

Chapman said he remained fully committed to representing New Zealand and was grateful for the support he had received throughout his international career.

“I’m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career,” Chapman said.

He added that the upcoming India series was something the players were eagerly anticipating and said he was committed to performing for the Black Caps.

The decision reflects Chapman’s established focus on white-ball cricket. He has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and has yet to make his Test debut. Although he was included in New Zealand’s Test squad for the 2024 tour of India, he did not feature.

Earlier this year, Chapman also indicated that he did not want to be considered for Test cricket when NZC finalised its initial contract list, making the move towards a flexible white-ball arrangement a logical step in his career.

Chapman has developed into an experienced international limited-overs batter. According to ICC records, he is a left-handed batter who also bowls occasional slow left-arm orthodox deliveries.

His move has also created an opportunity for fast bowler Matt Fisher, who has earned his maiden New Zealand central contract. Fisher has already represented the Black Caps in one Test against Zimbabwe in 2025, along with three ODIs and one T20I.

For Chapman, the BBL move offers another chance to test himself in a major franchise competition while keeping the door open for New Zealand duty.

The arrangement highlights the changing nature of modern cricket, where international players increasingly balance national commitments with opportunities in lucrative domestic T20 leagues around the world.

With the India series ahead and the BBL on the horizon, Chapman now faces an intriguing phase of his career — one that could allow him to combine international cricket with the freedom and challenge of franchise T20 cricket.