Mark Chapman signs casual contract to play in BBL

New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has switched to a casual contract that allows him to feature in franchise leagues while remaining available for national duty. The move follows Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert, who took the same route earlier. Chapman will therefore be free to join the Big Bash League without breaching New Zealand Cricket rules on central contracts.

Casual contracts let players split their time between domestic franchise events and international commitments. Chapman joins a growing group of New Zealand white-ball specialists who use the arrangement to maximise earnings and playing opportunities. The New Zealand Cricket Players Association has supported the option as a way to balance individual careers with national availability.

No specific BBL club has been named for Chapman yet. He is expected to finalise a deal in the coming weeks ahead of BBL 2026-27.