The Adelaide Strikers have signed New Zealand international batsman Mark Chapman for the entire BBL|16 season.
Chapman joins the Strikers after recently relinquishing his New Zealand central contract to pursue franchise opportunities around the world.
He follows England all-rounder Ben Stokes to Adelaide Oval, bolstering a strong batting line-up already featuring Matt Short.
An explosive middle-order batter, Chapman brings a wealth of experience and leadership from a 12-year international career, highlighted by strong performances at ICC T20 World Cups, ODI World Cups and Champions Trophy campaigns.
The 32-year-old is no stranger to the franchise cricket landscape. He recently featured for Washington Freedom alongside Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell under the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting.
He also played a key role for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year, including a blistering 69 from 33 balls, catching the eye of Adelaide Strikers coach Tim Paine, who was coaching the Multan Sultans.
Holding dual New Zealand and Hong Kong citizenships, he made his international debut for Hong Kong in 2014 before scoring a century in his first ODI appearance the following year.
Strong performances in New Zealand domestic cricket earned Chapman a Black Caps debut in 2018, and he quickly established himself as a mainstay in New Zealand’s T20I and ODI teams.
One of his standout international performances came in 2023, when he blasted an unbeaten 104 against Pakistan to help level the series and earn Player of the Series honours.
More recently, the left-hander struck a rapid 80 against the West Indies in July, helping New Zealand secure victory in the T20 international.
Chapman said the club’s exciting roster and passionate fanbase made Adelaide an attractive destination.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Adelaide Strikers and becoming part of such an exciting group,” he said.
“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.”
Strikers Head Coach Tim Paine said Chapman would add invaluable experience and firepower to the squad.
“Mark is an incredibly exciting player who can change the course of a game in an instant,” he said.
“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.”
