Adelaide Strikers announced on September 15, 2026, that they have signed New Zealand international Mark Chapman for the entire 2026-27 Big Bash League season. The 32-year-old left-handed batter will play at Adelaide Oval alongside Ben Stokes and Matt Short under head coach Tim Paine.
Chapman holds dual New Zealand and Hong Kong citizenship. He made his international debut for Hong Kong in 2014 before strong performances in New Zealand domestic cricket earned him a Black Caps call-up in 2018. He has since accumulated experience across ICC T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy tournaments.
Chapman recently relinquished his New Zealand central contract to pursue franchise opportunities across global leagues. He played for Islamabad United in PSL 2026, where he scored 69 from 33 balls, and also represented Washington Freedom alongside Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell under the coaching of Ricky Ponting.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Adelaide Strikers and becoming part of such an exciting group. When you look at the talent in the squad and the direction the club is heading, it’s easy to see why there’s so much excitement around the team. The opportunity to play at Adelaide Oval in front of passionate fans, alongside world-class players like Ben Stokes and Matt Short was a huge drawcard, and I can’t wait to get started,” Chapman said in an official statement.
What does Chapman bring to the Adelaide Strikers squad?
Chapman arrives at the Strikers with a record of performing in high-pressure situations across international cricket and franchise competitions. In 2023, he scored an unbeaten 104 against Pakistan and was named Player of the Series. As recently as July 2026, he struck 80 against West Indies in a T20I, helping New Zealand secure the match.
His experience across multiple formats and leagues gives the Strikers a versatile batting option who can accelerate the scoring rate at any stage of an innings. His PSL 2026 knock of 69 from 33 balls for Islamabad United demonstrated his capacity to shift momentum quickly in T20 cricket.
“Mark is an incredibly exciting player who can change the course of a game in an instant. He brings a wealth of experience from international cricket and franchise leagues around the world, and we see him as a vital piece of our squad as we push for a successful BBL|16 campaign. His ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages makes him a fantastic addition, and we can’t wait to see him in Strikers blue this summer,” head coach Tim Paine said in the statement.
How does Chapman’s signing fit into Adelaide Strikers’ BBL|16 plans?
The Strikers have assembled a squad that already includes former England Test captain Ben Stokes. Chapman’s addition gives the side a third high-profile batting name with proven franchise experience across multiple continents.
Chapman’s international career, which spans his Hong Kong debut in 2014 through to his New Zealand appearances in 2026, covers over a decade of competitive cricket at the highest level. His signing represents one of the more significant overseas acquisitions the Strikers have made ahead of the 2026-27 summer.
