Kane Williamson and Devon Conway Lead Quintet in NZC’s New Casual Agreements

Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert have agreed to casual playing agreements with New Zealand Cricket for the 2025-26 season. This arrangement allows them to explore franchise opportunities while staying integrated within New Zealand’s high-performance system, receiving coaching, medical support, mental skills guidance, and access to gym and cricket facilities.

They are committed to New Zealand’s T20 World Cup campaign next year in India and Sri Lanka. Under the casual contract terms, they must participate in a specified number of series and games leading up to the major event.

However, Williamson has opted out of the three T20Is against Australia in Mount Maunganui, starting on October 1, and Allen will also miss the series due to a foot injury. The team for the Chappell-Hadlee series will be announced on Wednesday.

“With such an important event on the horizon, we wanted to ensure our top T20 players were prepared and available for selection,” said NZC CEO Scott Weenink. “The casual agreements represent a commitment from the players to NZC and the Black Caps, and in return, NZC will fully support these players through our high-performance system.”

“The players have conveyed that playing for the BLACKCAPS is of great importance to them, and I’m glad we’ve been able to reach an understanding to have them casually contracted for the upcoming season.”