Cricket-New Zealand's Bracewell shifts to casual contract, eyes BBL opportunity


Cricket - ICC Men's Champions Trophy - Final - India v New Zealand - Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - March 9, 2025 New Zealand's Michael Bracewell in action REUTERS/Satish Kumar

Oct 5 (Reuters) - New ⁠Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell will ⁠move to a casual contract for the ‌2026-27 season as he pursues an opportunity in Australia's Big Bash League, the country's cricket board (NZC) ​said on Monday.

Bracewell, who ⁠has played 105 times ⁠for New Zealand across all three formats, ⁠will ‌feature in the limited-overs series against India beginning this month.

The ⁠35-year-old joins Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, Lockie ​Ferguson, ‌Adam Milne and Tim Seifert among players ⁠who have ​opted for the casual contract system, which allows them to play in high-paying ⁠Twenty20 leagues while remaining available ​for national duty.

"As a white-ball only player, this felt like too good of an ⁠opportunity to pass up," Bracewell said in a statement.

"I'm still very much committed to the Black Caps and can't wait ​to be involved in ⁠the upcoming India tour and future white-ball ​series."

Batter Nick Kelly will ‌replace Bracewell on NZC's ​central contract list.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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