A casual contract in cricket is a flexible deal between a player and the national board. It lets the player skip the standard central contract and instead sign for high-paying T20 leagues, while remaining available for international duty.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) runs the best-known casual contract system. All-rounder Michael Bracewell, 35, moved to one for the 2026-27 season to pursue an opportunity in Australia’s Big Bash League.

“As a white-ball only player, this felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up,” Bracewell said. He stressed he remains committed to the Black Caps and will feature in the limited-overs series against India.

Bracewell joins Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert among players who chose the casual route. Batter Nick Kelly will replace Bracewell on NZC’s central contract list.

The system reflects a wider shift. T20 leagues now pay far more per match than most bilateral series. Boards that refuse flexibility risk losing players entirely. NZC’s model keeps the door open: the player stays in the national selection frame, and the board keeps its talent pool intact.