Cricket Australia Announces Central Contracts for 2025/26 Season
Cricket Australia has officially announced the men’s central contract list for the 2025/26 season, featuring a total of 23 players. Notable inclusions are Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, who continue to be key figures in the national setup. New additions to the contract list include promising talents Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Beau Webster, reflecting Australia’s commitment to nurturing emerging players.
Konstas, who made a significant impact during his Test debut series against India, is seen as a player with considerable upside. Kuhnemann’s recent performances also earned him recognition, while Webster’s versatility adds depth to the squad. However, the list also sees the departure of Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, and Todd Murphy, who have lost their contracts.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey expressed confidence in the selected players’ abilities to contribute significantly over the next 18 months. As Australia prepares for a busy schedule that includes competing for the T20 World Cup title in India and Sri Lanka in 2026, this contract announcement sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.