Michael Bracewell moves to casual New Zealand contract to play in BBL 2026-27

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has shifted to a casual contract for the 2026-27 season to play in the Big Bash League 2026-27 (BBL). He has been replaced by Nick Kelly on the central contract list, announced by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Monday, October 5.

As a result, Kelly got his first national contract 11 years after he made his first-class debut. On the other hand, Bracewell joined Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert as the other casually contracted players for the 2026-27 season.

Bracewell thanked NZC for their continuous support and expressed excitement ahead of the India series.

"The backing from New Zealand Cricket for me to take this opportunity at this stage of my career means a lot. As a white-ball-only player, this felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up. I'm still very much committed to the BLACKCAPS and can't wait to be involved in the upcoming India tour and future white-ball series. I've also got my eyes firmly fixed on the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural NZ20, which is set to be introduced from next summer,” Bracewell said in a media release.

Bracewell has played ten Tests, 48 ODIs and 47 T20Is in his career so far and is in line to play against India in the upcoming five-match home T20I series, beginning on October 22 in Christchurch.

Kelly's international career so far

On the other hand, Nick Kelly made his New Zealand debut in March 2025 and has played eight ODIs and seven T20Is in his career so far. He even filled in as T20I skipper in place of the injured Tom Latham in Bangladesh earlier this year.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter praised Kelly for his stellar performances in domestic cricket and backed him to perform under pressure whenever needed.

"Nick's been a standout performer in domestic cricket for several seasons now, and it's testament to his hard work that he's earned this first contract at this stage of his career. Introducing players like Nick to international cricket a bit later certainly has its advantages in terms of the player knowing their game and being able to trust themselves to perform under pressure,” said Walter.