New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum will miss the side's limited-overs series in South Africa and Zimbabwe but has committed himself to at least another year of international cricket.
McCullum, 33, invited speculation over his future with the Black Caps during the recent tour of England but, after skipping the August schedule in Africa, he will be back to lead the side.
McCullum will sign a new central contract, with home and away series against neighbours Australia and the 2016 World Twenty20 in India all on the horizon.
The batsman, who is currently playing inn the NatWest T20 Blast with Birmingham Bears, told www.blackcaps.co.nz: "It's a critical time for the side. We've enjoyed a pretty good past 18 months, but there are some serious challenges ahead and we need to keep making progress.
"This is a young, emerging team with some very big series looming on the horizon - and it's really exciting to be involved."
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White is delighted to have the country's prize asset on board again.
"This is enormous news for NZC, the Black Caps, and everyone who supports the game in New Zealand," he said.
"Under Brendon, the Black Caps have enjoyed unprecedented success over the past 18 months and to have him remaining at the helm for another year is extremely good news.
"Brendon has proved himself to be an exceptional player and leader, and the side will be much stronger for his presence."
A Cricket New Zealand statement explaining McCullum's absence from the forthcoming one-day and T20 assignments read: "McCullum will sit out the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa after an intense period of cricket dating back to the ICC Cricket World Cup, and is on track to play his 100th consecutive Test (since his debut) in the upcoming home series against Australia."
Source: PA
