Auckland Cricket has confirmed the first round of 15 contracted players for the 2025/26 men’s domestic season, featuring a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers.

Among the most notable signings is powerful top-order batter Dale Phillips, who returns to Auckland after six seasons with Otago, where he became a key figure in their batting lineup. Phillips represented Auckland at age group and A level before first representing Otago in 2019/20.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back home and hopefully contributing to the success Auckland Cricket has enjoyed,” said Phillips.

“It’s shaping up to be an exciting season with a young, talented group and excellent coaches I’ve worked with before.”

Also making the move north is Rohit Gulati, a left-arm finger spinner who debuted across all formats for Northern Districts last season. Gulati steps into the role previously held by Louis Delport, the crafty left-armer who announced his retirement from domestic cricket earlier this month.

Four emerging Auckland talents—Harrish Kannan, Lachie Stackpole, Samrath Singh, and Sid Dixit—have earned domestic contracts for the first time, three of whom debuted for the ACES last season.

Auckland Cricket’s Director of High Performance, Evan Jones, and ACES Head Coach, Rob Nicol, expressed their excitement about the new contracts and player movements.

“We’re thrilled to announce the first round of ACES contracts for the 2025/26 season,” said Jones. “It’s especially pleasing to welcome Dale back home and to celebrate the players receiving their first professional contracts.”

Nicol added: “It’s great to welcome both Dale and Rohit. They bring enthusiasm and hunger that will add real value to our environment.

“We’re equally excited about the next generation in Sid, Samrath, Harrish, and Lachie. They’ve earned this opportunity through consistent performances and a strong work ethic, and we’re eager to support their continued growth.”

A notable departure from the list is right-arm pace bowler Danru Ferns, who will head south to join Otago for the 2025/26 season.

“Danru has been a loyal and valuable member of the ACES over several seasons,” said Nicol. “His professionalism, energy, and care for the team have been constants in our environment. We’re incredibly grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

The 16th and final contract will be announced in the coming weeks.

Auckland ACES 2025/26 Contracts – First Round

Sid Dixit – Cornwall*
Cam Fletcher – East Coast Bays
Matt Gibson – Cornwall
Rohit Gulati - TBC
Bevon Jacobs – Hibiscus Coast
Harrish Kannan – Cornwall*
Simon Keene – North Shore
Ben Lister – Suburbs New Lynn
Jock McKenzie – North Shore
Angus Olliver – Auckland University
Dale Phillips – Howick Pakuranga
Samrath Singh – Cornwall*
Sean Solia – Suburbs New Lynn
Lachie Stackpole – Howick Pakuranga*
Jordan Sussex - Takapuna

* First Domestic Contract

Article added: Thursday 26 June 2025