All-rounder Jimmy Neesham has declined a central contract offer from New Zealand Cricket. Here in this article, we have discussed on New Zealand Central Contract declined by Jimmy Neesham.
Neesham was offered one of the available contracts in the list after the release of Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme, but he rejected down the contract due to other commitments he had already made with overseas domestic leagues.
The all-rounder provided clarification on Instagram, stating that while this was a “difficult decision,” but it was not possible for him to break his commitment.
“I know the news of my decision to decline a central contract today will be seen as me choosing money over representing my country. I had planned to accept a contract offer in July, however since being left off the list I have committed to other leagues around the world. It was a difficult decision but I have decided to honour those commitments rather than go back on my word to re-sign with NZ Cricket,” Neesham wrote on Instagram.
“Playing for the @blackcapsnz has been the greatest honour of my career and I remain committed to taking the field with my countrymen for the foreseeable future, especially in pinnacle world events,” he added.
In effect, Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme’s exits have been filled by the signing of Blair Tickner and Finn Allen to their first New Zealand Cricket central contracts.
While 23-year-old Wellington batsman Allen has already played for his country in eight ODIs and 13 T20s, Central Stags speed bowler Tickner has played for the BLACKCAPS in six ODIs and eleven T20s.
Both were part of the BLACKCAPS’ winter tours to the Netherlands, Scotland, and Ireland; Allen also participated in the team’s most recent matches against the West Indies and Australia.
Team New Zealand will next play a tri-series at home with Pakistan and Bangladesh from October 7 to 14 as part of their preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup, starting October 16 in Australia.
The Blackcaps will announce their ICC T20 World Cup team on September 20.
