NEWCOMER XAVIER BELL NAMED IN STRONG CONTRACT LIST

26 Jun 2025

Northern Districts Cricket (ND) has announced the first 15 men’s players who have been contracted for the 2025/26 season. A debut contract for ton-machine teen Xavier Bell leads the news, along with two familiar faces who have come back into the contract list following recovery from injury: Tim Pringle and Zak Gibson. Scott Kuggeleijn also returns to the domestic contract list.

General Manager – Performance & Talent – Ian Sandbrook, is very pleased with the 15 men selected in the first round of contracting. “After a very thorough and competitive process, reflective of the quality of talent in the region, the selection panel has landed on what we think is an extremely competitive squad with a great mix of established domestic cricketers and young, exciting talent,” he said.

“It’s a huge honour to receive my first contract with Northern Districts,” said newcomer Xavier Bell. “It’s a goal I’ve always aspired to and achieving it with the district where I’ve come through the pathways and developed as a cricketer makes it even more special.”

Bell, who has been part of the ND pathway programme since he was 15, has had a stellar lead-in to his maiden contract. He was the standout young cricketer of the 2024/25 summer at both ND A, ND U19, District Association and Club levels, beginning the season coming off an England tour which saw him make headlines with a score of 338 in a two-day fixture.

Bell was the top run scorer across the country for the Men’s A cricket with 534 runs, highlights being his 192 vs Central Districts and 151 vs Auckland opening the batting in three-day cricket. He also scored an unbeaten 100 vs Canterbury in a 10-wicket win at the U19 Nationals and was a standout for Hamilton Men with 445 runs at an average of 49 – this included two hundreds. At all levels he amassed over 2,000 runs during the 2024/25 summer.

Characteristic of his humble approach, Bell is keeping his eye on the work ahead. “I’m focused on nailing the fundamentals and controlling what I can,” he said. “It’s all about keeping things simple and clear for me, so that I’m ready both physically and mentally whenever that opportunity comes"

Bowlers Tim Pringle and Zak Gibson are both back into the contract list after missing last season due to injury. Dutch left-arm orthodox spinner Pringle has returned to fitness after almost 11 months away from the crease, his last outing being the T20 World Cup where he represented the Netherlands. Gibson has also worked hard in the last 16 months to get fighting fit, with a contract proof in the pudding for the pace bowler.

Scott Kuggeleijn also returns to his domestic contract, having taken a casual contract last season to make the most of franchise options. His experience and ability to lead the bowling attack will be welcomed back with both arms.

Head of Selectors, Pat Malcon, is pleased with the list. “I see it as a well-balanced squad covering all the skill sets. It is a very experienced lineup, but there is also the important inclusion of some younger players with high potential,” he said.

Sandbrook acknowledged the significant role that the coaching team has made in their first two seasons, noting: “BJ Watling and Daniel Flynn have done a great job in moulding and developing this team, and I know they’re looking forward to continuing their work with this group and fight for titles across all three formats.”

Power batter and wicket keep Tim Seifert has again opted for a casual contract this season to allow for franchise opportunities.

The final 16th contract will be announced on 8 July.

The first women’s contract announcement will take place in late August.