Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert have agreed casual playing agreements with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for 2026-27 with the quartet set to be available for the home white-ball series against India in October and November, providing a chance to push their claims for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Allen, Ferguson and Seifert were among those with casual deals for the previous year too, while Milne has been added for the next 12 months starting August 1. The retired Kane Williamson has left the system, Devon Conway has returned to a full contract, and Jimmy Neesham has taken a domestic deal with Auckland.
The casual contracts with NZC allow players to mix and match international and franchise cricket, ensuring they are not completely lost from the former. The four players named for next season are all white-ball specialists and therefore unlikely to be in consideration for any of New Zealand's confirmed Test matches against India, Australia and Sri Lanka.
"We're delighted to add Finn, Lockie, Adam and Tim to our contracting programme for the next period," selection head Gavin Larsen said. "It goes without saying the talent and match-winning abilities all four players possess, and we've seen them do just that for the Blackcaps on many occasions. Their skills are in demand around the world and we see that as a positive as they're able to add to their experiences and bring those back to our environment."
"There's no secret the in-bound India mega-tour is of critical importance to NZC on and off the field," Larsen added. "The tour features ten white-ball games over 25 days, followed immediately by a block of six Tests - so we're well aware we'll need a deep squad, particularly in the pace-bowling department, to be at our best across the different series."
Milne has not played for New Zealand since the middle of 2025 but had been due to feature in the T20 World Cup earlier this year before being ruled out through injury.
None of the quartet are part of New Zealand's squad for the ODI series in the West Indies, which starts on Saturday, with all four currently at MLC. Allen and Ferguson have not played ODIs since 2023, Milne last played one in 2024 and Seifert in 2025 when he briefly returned to the format after a six-year gap.
"My passion and motivation to play for the Blackcaps and represent our country remains as strong as ever," Seifert said. "The casual contract allows the flexibility to play in some of the different leagues around the world, while still remaining part of the Blackcaps programme.
"The upcoming India tour to New Zealand is going to an amazing occasion and I'm certainly keen to be involved. With two ICC white-ball World Cups also on the horizon there's plenty of exciting cricket to look forward to."
Larsen previously spoke about how the five ODIs in the West Indies will kickstart preparations for next year's World Cup, with the depth of options, especially in the bowling attack, continuing to be explored.
NZC announced their men's central contracts last month with fast bowler Blair Tickner returning to the list.
