Latest news with #MuhammadAbbas
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Newcomers signed to Black Caps
Four exciting newcomers have earned first-time Black Caps central contracts for the 2025-26 season. Mitch Hay, Muhammad Abbas, Zak Foulkes and Adi Ashok are set to bolster New Zealand's ranks. Hay, a 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Canterbury, struck an unbeaten 99 off 78 balls to anchor New Zealand's ODI innings against Pakistan earlier this year, and also set a world record with six dismissals in a T20 during his debut tour in Sri Lanka in November. Wellington all-rounder Abbas, 21, smashed a record-breaking 52 off 26 balls on his ODI debut against Pakistan in March, setting the fastest 50 on debut in men's ODIs. He also showed off his left-arm pace bowling in the same game, claiming Mohammad Rizwan as his maiden ODI wicket. Foulkes, 22, made his T20 debut for the Black Caps against Pakistan last year, stepping in for the injured Adam Milne and impressing with his all-round skills. He made his ODI debut in November. Auckland legspinner Ashok, 22, rounds out the newcomers, returning to the Black Caps ODI squad earlier this year after making his debut in 2023, and most recently starring with a five-wicket haul in New Zealand A's win over Bangladesh A at Sylhet. Otago players Jacob Duffy and Glenn Phillips retain their central contracts. The selection process, managed by chief high performance officer Bryan Stronach and overseen by New Zealand Cricket, involved Black Caps head coach Gary Stead, selector Sam Wells, assistant coaches Jacob Oram and Luke Ronchi, and performance manager Mike Sandle. A statistical review of domestic and international performances across test, ODI and T20 formats informed the rankings with the final 20 players selected based on past performances, the 2025-26 schedule and their likelihood of representing New Zealand. NZC chief executive Scott Weenink hailed the new additions as a sign of New Zealand cricket's bright future. "The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system," Weenink said. "These players have shown they can compete at the highest level, and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. "We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward." Weenink said the list of contracted players reflected the "depth and versatility" of the talent pool in the country. "With a packed season ahead, including the ICC T20 World Cup in February, these players are ready to make their mark and inspire fans across New Zealand." Fast-bowling great Tim Southee (retired), Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel and Josh Clarkson, all of whom were centrally contracted in 2024-25, were not offered contracts this year. Discussions on casual playing contracts for players such as Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson were ongoing, NZC said. Black Caps Central contracts Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, William O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young. — APL
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
New Zealand Hand Contracts To Young Talent As Big Guns Opt For Casual Deals
Last Updated: Mitch Hay, Muhammad Abbas, Zak Foulkes and Adi Ashok earned New Zealand central contracts for 2025-26. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay, all-rounder Muhammad Abbas, pacer Zak Foulkes, and leg-spinner Adi Ashok are the new faces who have earned New Zealand central contracts for the 2025-26 season. Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, and Josh Clarkson, all of whom held central contracts in 2024-25, were not offered contracts this year. Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson have not accepted central contracts with New Zealand Cricket, with 'discussions on their casual playing contracts" ongoing. Hay, a 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, scored an unbeaten 99 off 78 balls to anchor New Zealand's ODI innings against Pakistan earlier this year and set a world record with six dismissals in a T20I during his debut tour of Sri Lanka in November. Twenty-one-year-old Wellington all-rounder Abbas hit a record-breaking 52 off 26 balls on his ODI debut against Pakistan in March, achieving the fastest fifty on debut in men's ODIs. He also showcased his left-arm pace bowling in the same match, claiming Mohammad Rizwan as his maiden ODI wicket. Foulkes, 22, made his T20I debut for New Zealand against Pakistan last year, replacing the injured Adam Milne and impressing with his all-round skills. He made his ODI debut in November. Auckland leg-spinner Ashok, 22, completes the list of newcomers, returning to the BlackCaps ODI squad earlier this year after making his debut in 2023, and most recently starring with a five-wicket haul in New Zealand A's win over Bangladesh A in Sylhet. NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised the new additions, highlighting the promising future of New Zealand cricket. He said, 'The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi, and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system. These players have shown they can compete at the highest level, and their hunger to represent the BlackCaps is exciting. We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward." A statistical review of domestic and international performances across Test, ODI, and T20I formats informed the rankings, with the final 20 players selected based on past performances, the 2025-26 schedule, and their likelihood of representing New Zealand. First Published: June 03, 2025, 13:46 IST
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Muhammad Abbas, Pakistani-origin cricketer, gets central contract by New Zealand for 2025-26
Pakistani-born all-rounder Muhammad Abbas has been awarded a central contract by New Zealand Cricket for the 2025–26 season, marking a significant milestone in his rising international career. The Lahore-born cricketer is one of four new faces on the Black Caps' centrally contracted list, joining Mitch Hay, Zak Foulkes and Adithya Ashok. His inclusion highlights New Zealand's commitment to nurturing emerging talent through a diverse and inclusive pathway system. Abbas, a left-handed batter and right-arm medium-pacer, rose to prominence earlier this year during his One-Day International debut against Pakistan—the country of his birth. He scored a blistering 52 off just 26 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest half-century by a debutant in men's ODIs. Having migrated to New Zealand as a child, Abbas developed his cricketing abilities through the country's structured age-group and domestic circuits. His rapid rise underscores both his personal work ethic and the effectiveness of New Zealand's development framework. The 21-year-old is expected to play a key role in the Black Caps' preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for next February. His dual skill set with bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the national setup. 'Muhammad's fearless approach and adaptability stood out,' said a spokesperson from New Zealand Cricket. 'He brings fresh energy to the team and embodies the spirit of modern New Zealand cricket.' This year's contract list reflects a generational shift, with a blend of established names and rising stars, reinforcing the board's long-term vision. While Abbas' name may be new to some fans, it is likely to feature more prominently in the years ahead.
Int'l Cricket Council
3 days ago
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
New quartet named in New Zealand central contract list
New Zealand have named four changes to their central contract list for the 2025/2026 season, with Mitch Hay, Muhammad Abbas, Zak Foulkes and Adi Ashok all included for the first time. The quartet come in after making strong performances for the Black Caps over the last 12 months, and will likely feature when the side tour Zimbabwe in July and host the likes of the West Indies and England in the upcoming home summer. All-Rounder Muhammad Abbas hit 52 off 26 balls on his ODI debut against Pakistan in March, setting the fastest fifty on debut in men's ODIs, also claiming Mohammad Rizwan for his first ODI wicket, while fellow quick Foulkes made both ODI and T20I debuts last calendar year. Leg-spinner Adi Ashok meanwhile enters having returned to the ODI squad in early 2025. In the review overseen by New Zealand Cricket's high performance and coaching staff, domestic and international performances, the 2025/2026 schedule and the likelihood of representing New Zealand are taken into consideration. New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Scott Weenink says the selections are a point to the future, and a reflection of a successful pathways system. 'The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system,' Weenink said. 'These players have shown they can compete at the highest level, and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. 'We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward. "The list captures the depth and versatility of our talent pool. With a packed season ahead, including the ICC T20 World Cup in February, these players are ready to make their mark and inspire fans across New Zealand.' Stellar New Zealand secure final spot | Match Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025 Stellar New Zealand secure final spot | Match Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025 The four come in for Tim Southee (retired), Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Josh Clarkson, who were not offered contracts. Casual playing contract negotiations for Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Lockie Ferguson are ongoing. Gill trapped by Southee in front | WTC21 Final | Ind v NZ Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, William O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Black Caps: Four new players pick up central contracts
Four players have been given their first Black Caps central contracts, while two veteran spinners are among those to miss out on contracts for next season. Canterbury keeper-batter Mitch Hay, Wellington allrounder Muhammad Abbas, Canterbury fast bowler Zak Foulkes and Auckland leg-spinner Adi Ashok have earned their first central contracts. Those who were contracted last season but miss out are Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, Josh Clarkson and Tim Southee, who has retired. Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson have in recent years declined contracts, but New Zealand Cricket said discussions on casual playing contracts with them are ongoing. Last season the salary for contracted players ranged from $165,000 to $318,000. Henry Nicholls has been included on the list of the 20 contracted players. He played just six ODI's for New Zealand last season. "The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system," NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink said. "The list captures the depth and versatility of our talent pool. With a packed season ahead, including the ICC T20 World Cup in February, these players are ready to make their mark and inspire fans across New Zealand." Hay, 24, struck an unbeaten 99 off 78 balls to anchor New Zealand's ODI innings against Pakistan earlier this year, and also set a world record with six dismissals in a T20I during his debut tour in Sri Lanka in November. Twenty one year-old Wellington allrounder Muhammad Abbas smashed a record-breaking 52 off 26 balls on his ODI debut against Pakistan in March, setting the fastest fifty on debut in men's ODIs. Foulkes, 22, made his T20I debut for the Blackcaps against Pakistan last year, stepping in for the injured Adam Milne and impressing with his all-round skills. He made his ODI debut in November. Ashok, 22, returned to the ODI squad earlier this year after making his debut in 2023, and most recently grabbed with a five wicket haul in New Zealand A's win over Bangladesh A at Sylhet. The Black Caps next assignment is a two-Test tour of Zimbabwe in July and August. Centrally contracted players for 2025-26: Adithya Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Muhammad Abbas, Henry Nicholls, William O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
