New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named a 17-woman list for its women’s central contracts for the 2026-27 season, along with full-time White Ferns contracts to rookie stars Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp. New Zealand Cricket continues filling up their next group of contracted players after some high-profile retirements with the trio leading a 17-strong contracted group.

Left-hand batting all-rounder Devonshire from Central Districts has been recognised after a breakout period in international cricket. The 23-year-old burst onto the scene with her international debut in 2025 and has been a favorite of selectors ever since for her powerful hitting as well as left-arm spin. Although a fight with finger injuries this year curtailed Devonshire’s campaign, he has remained one of the brightest young things in county cricket.

Nensi Patel has made a return to the central contract list after she had a secured deal during the 2022-23 season as well. Since her much talked about return to the international fold, the Northern Districts player has made an immediate impression; with some key wickets in T20 internationals and establishing herself as a spin option. Born in Gujarat, India and moved to New Zealand, Patel has taken rapid strides in international cricket.

On the other hand, dominating batswoman Izzy Sharp has had her first central contract after continual improvement for Canterbury and the White Ferns. Regarded as one of New Zealand’s top batsmen since captaining at the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup just years ago, the 21-year-old has long been on track. In the 2025-26 Super Smash season, Sharp was Canterbury’s leading run-scorer and has already gained international experience for New Zealand.

The additions will follow the experience of four White Ferns stars recent departures from the contracted group, with Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Lea Tahuhu and Sophie Devine no longer in a white ferns contract. This opens up doors to new emerging players.

Three of these players — Morgan, Hastings and Mathews — have been added to the squad for the first time; White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer said he was delighted with the additions, as they will add some energy, skill and excitement into the national setup alongside the more established internationals. He also added that the increasing competition for contracts is a sign of the growing strength in depth in New Zealand women’s cricket.

The declaration is an indication that New Zealand are building in the direction of another penchant in a significant universal season for the White Ferns.

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