Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a list of 21 men’s players to be offered national contracts for 2026-27.

The MOU between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association states between 20 and 24 male players are eligible to be contracted at the start of each contract year.  

Australia is preparing for a heavy Test cricket schedule which starts with a two-match home series against Bangladesh in August, followed by a tour to Zimbabwe (three ODIs) and South Africa (three ODIs and three Test matches) in September and October.  

Those tours and a home white-ball series against England are followed by a stretch of ten Test matches in 14 weeks against New Zealand (four at home), India (five away) and the 150th Anniversary Test against England at the MCG.  

“The contract list strives to balance reward for performances over time with a lens to the upcoming schedule. The next 12 months encompass a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges – South Africa, India and England as well as the Top End and home Tests across the summer," selection committee chairman George Bailey said in a statement.

“This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle. Given the upcoming schedule of series, we know we will continue to need and utilise players outside of those contracted. This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential we continue working closely with and collaborate with states to ensure players are developing and ready for international cricket when they get opportunities” Bailey added.

Fast bowler Brendan Doggett earned his first full contract while opener Jake Weatherald retained his upgraded contract from the last summer. Michael Neser and Todd Murphy regained full contracts.  

Usman Khawaja (retired), Sam Konstas, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson and Matt Short were not renewed from the previous full contract list.