AUCKLAND: New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham declined the central contract offered by the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) due to his commitments with the franchise leagues around the world.
Neesham was extended a fresh offer from NZC after being dropped from the central contract list in July.
“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 wrote on his Instagram stories.
The 31-year-old justified his stance by saying that since he was not offered a contract earlier this year, he went on with committing to the t20 leagues and now he wanted to uphold those agreements.
“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,” he said.
“Playing for the [Blackcaps] 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.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Blair Tickner and opening batter Finn Allen accepted the central contracts for the 2022-23 season, filling the positions left by Trent Boult and Colin De Grandhomme on the list, announced NZC on Friday.
Tickner has represented Black Caps in six ODIs and 11 T20Is, while Allen has played eight ODIs and 13 T20Is.
