New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham has declined the Central Contract offered to him by New Zealand Cricket. Neesham posted on his Instagram about the news saying that he has committed himself to other leagues around the world and has decided to honor those commitments rather than signing the contract.
James Neesham was offered the Central Contract after 2 places were vacant following the retirement of Colin de Grandhomme and Trent Boult opting out last month. Neesham was originally excluded from the list and thus committed himself to cricket leagues around the world. He thus declined to re-sign the Central Contract. The all-rounder has given his name to the new South Africa T20 league which has its auction on the 19th of September.
Blair Tickner and Finn Allen sign their first contracts
Fast bowler Blair Tickner and explosive opener Finn Allen have landed their first contracts. Finn Allen has played 13 T20I matches and scored 334 runs with an astonishing strike rate of 164. He is one of the top contenders to be included in the squad for the T20 World Cup.
https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1570541473459851265
On the other hand, Blair Tickner has played 6 ODIs and 11 T20I matches and has most recently played against the Netherlands. He was also in the squad that toured England early this year.
New Zealand is due to name its squad for the T20 World cup on September 20. They will test themselves before the event with a tri-series against Pakistan and Bangladesh from the 7th to the 14th of October. New Zealand will kick off its World Cup against neighboring Australia on October 22nd in Sydney Cricket Stadium.
https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1570270867023867905
The team lost the recent ODI series against Australia by 3-0 which also marked the last international ODI for Aaron Finch. Finn Allen played and impressed in the last match scoring 35(38) at Cairns. The Central Contract will give a big boost to the international career of both Tickner and Allen.
Full Statement by James Neesham
“I know the news of my decision to decline a central contract today will be seen as me choosing money over representing my country,” Neesham posted on an Instagram story. “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 honor those commitments rather than go back on my word to re-sign with NZ Cricket.
“Playing for the [Blackcaps] has been the greatest honor of my career and I remain committed to taking the field with my countrymen for the foreseeable future, especially in pinnacle world events.”
James Neesham ended by writing, “Even though it means I choose to see @mitchsantner’s stupid face every day”.
