Eight New Zealand Players Sign for BBL 2026-27: Full List and Teams
Eight New Zealand cricketers have signed for the Big Bash League 2026-27 across six teams. Trent Boult, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Lockie Ferguson, Michael Bracewell, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman and Bevon Jacobs are the confirmed Kiwi recruits for BBL|16.
Seven hold primary overseas contracts, while Jacobs will represent Brisbane Heat as a temporary replacement for Tom Curran during the opening three matches.
Boult is the latest addition, joining Sydney Thunder on a one-year deal that covers the full season, including finals.
Full List of New Zealand Players in BBL 2026-27
| Player | BBL 16 team | Role | Contract details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Boult | Sydney Thunder | Left-arm fast bowler | Full season, including finals |
| Lockie Ferguson | Sydney Thunder | Fast bowler | Full season, including finals |
| Finn Allen | Melbourne Stars | Opening batter | Three-year deal through BBL18 |
| Tim Seifert | Sydney Sixers | Wicketkeeper-batter | One-year contract |
| Michael Bracewell | Melbourne Renegades | Spin-bowling allrounder | Full BBL16 season |
| Tim Robinson | Brisbane Heat | Top-order batter | BBL16 contract |
| Mark Chapman | Adelaide Strikers | Batting allrounder | Full BBL16 season |
| Bevon Jacobs | Brisbane Heat | Batter | First three matches, replacement player |
Six of the eight BBL teams have recruited New Zealand players. Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat have two each, while Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers have one apiece.
Of the 18 overseas primary-squad positions filled across the competition as of 15 October, seven belong to New Zealand players. That represents approximately 39% of confirmed overseas primary contracts.
Explore the complete BBL 2026-27 squads.
Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson Lead Sydney Thunder’s Kiwi Attack
Sydney Thunder have assembled one of the competition’s most experienced overseas pace combinations by signing Trent Boult alongside returning New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson.
Boult previously played eight BBL matches for Melbourne Stars in the 2022-23 season. Ferguson represented Thunder in BBL|14 before missing last summer’s tournament.
Their bowling styles offer different strengths.
Boult brings left-arm swing and early powerplay wickets, while Ferguson adds right-arm pace and aggressive short bowling.
New head coach Andrew Flintoff has identified new-ball wicket-taking as an area Thunder need to improve following their last-place finish in BBL|15.
Both bowlers are available for the entire season, including finals.
Alongside England wicketkeeper Sam Billings, they complete Sydney Thunder’s three overseas positions.
The official Big Bash announcement confirms Boult’s return and availability.
Finn Allen Leaves Perth Scorchers for Melbourne Stars
Finn Allen’s move to Melbourne Stars is one of the biggest overseas transfers ahead of BBL|16.
The New Zealand opener scored a competition-leading 466 runs in BBL|15, helping Perth Scorchers win their sixth championship.
Despite that success, Allen left Perth and signed a three-year contract with Melbourne Stars through BBL|18.
He now joins Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis in a batting lineup built around aggressive stroke play.
The Stars have also signed England allrounders Jamie Overton and Craig Overton, filling all three overseas positions before the season.
Tim Seifert and Michael Bracewell Find New Melbourne and Sydney Homes
Tim Seifert has moved from Melbourne Renegades to Sydney Sixers on a one-year contract.
The wicketkeeper-batter gives Matthew Mott an experienced top-order option following Moises Henriques’ retirement and Steve Smith’s expected absence due to international commitments.
Seifert joins England allrounder Chris Jordan as Sydney’s second overseas signing.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades have recruited Michael Bracewell for his first Big Bash season.
The 35-year-old provides left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin under new coach Luke Ronchi.
Bracewell’s full-season availability became possible after he moved from a New Zealand central contract to a casual playing agreement.
Mark Chapman, Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs Strengthen Batting Options
Adelaide Strikers have signed Mark Chapman for the full BBL|16 season.
The left-handed batting allrounder joins England star Ben Stokes as Adelaide’s second confirmed overseas recruit, strengthening the batting options available to captain Matt Short.
Brisbane Heat have recruited two New Zealand batters, although their contracts serve different purposes.
Tim Robinson is a primary-squad signing who can provide aggressive top-order batting throughout Brisbane’s campaign.
Bevon Jacobs, however, has been signed as an International Replacement Player for Tom Curran, who will miss the first three matches because of family commitments.
Jacobs previously impressed in Queensland’s T20 Max competition with a 40-ball century for South Brisbane.
He will be available for Brisbane’s opening three fixtures, beginning against Sydney Sixers at the Gabba on 15 December. Curran is expected to return for the Boxing Day match.
Jacobs does not occupy an additional permanent overseas squad position.
Why Are More New Zealand Players Joining the Big Bash?
Changes to New Zealand Cricket’s player contracting arrangements have helped several international players commit to BBL|16.
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Lockie Ferguson, Mark Chapman and Michael Bracewell have moved to casual agreements with New Zealand Cricket.
These contracts give players greater flexibility to manage international and franchise cricket commitments rather than being tied to the standard central contracting structure.
The changes have been particularly important for players seeking longer Big Bash availability.
Bracewell can participate in the full competition, while Boult and Ferguson have confirmed availability through the finals.
A casual contract does not automatically mean a player has retired from international cricket. It provides greater flexibility around which playing opportunities they accept.
Cricket Australia’s report on Bracewell’s contract arrangement explains how the system has opened additional Big Bash opportunities.
When Does BBL 2026-27 Begin?
BBL|16 begins on 12 December 2026, when Melbourne Renegades face defending champions Perth Scorchers at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Michael Bracewell could be the first of the eight Kiwi recruits to feature, although selection will depend on Melbourne’s playing XI.
The first match in Australia takes place on 15 December, when Brisbane Heat host Sydney Sixers at the Gabba. That fixture could feature New Zealand batters Tim Robinson, Bevon Jacobs and Tim Seifert.
See the BBL 2026-27 schedule for all fixtures and match times.
New Zealand Players in BBL 2026-27 FAQs
How many New Zealand players have signed for BBL 2026-27?
Eight New Zealand players have signed across six teams. Seven hold primary overseas contracts, while Bevon Jacobs is a temporary replacement for Brisbane Heat.
Which BBL team has signed Trent Boult?
Sydney Thunder have signed Trent Boult for BBL|16. He will join Lockie Ferguson and is available for the full season, including finals.
Which BBL team will Finn Allen play for in 2026-27?
Finn Allen will play for Melbourne Stars after leaving Perth Scorchers. His three-year contract runs through BBL|18.
Are Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson available for the BBL finals?
Yes. Both New Zealand fast bowlers have confirmed full-season availability, including finals, for Sydney Thunder.
Is Bevon Jacobs a permanent Brisbane Heat signing?
No. Jacobs is an international replacement for Tom Curran’s opening three-match absence. He does not occupy an additional permanent primary-squad position.
