New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has awarded a 2025-26 central contract to Muhammad Abbas, the Lahore-born all-rounder, following his explosive ODI debut earlier this year. The 21-year-old is among four new faces in the Black Caps’ contracted squad, alongside Mitch Hay, Zak Foulkes, and Adithya Ashok.
Abbas announced himself on the international stage with a record-breaking 52 off 26 balls against Pakistan—the fastest fifty by a debutant in men’s ODIs. A left-handed batter and right-arm medium-pacer, he migrated to New Zealand as a child and honed his skills through the country’s domestic cricket system.
NZC praised his “fearless approach” and sees him as a key player ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. His inclusion highlights New Zealand’s commitment to nurturing diverse talent, blending experienced stars with emerging players for long-term success.