• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Ill Take A Pause James Neesham On International Future Post T20 World Cup 2024

'I'll Take A Pause...' - James Neesham On International Future Post T20 World Cup 2024

image-lso82jooJames Neesham [X.com]

New Zealand allrounder James Neesham has confirmed he is contemplating his future at the international stage and could be determining his availability and potential exit from the BlackCaps scene after the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies & USA.

Neesham, who opted out of New Zealand's coming T20I assignment against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia, is currently with the Rangpur Riders franchise, playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The 33-year-old didn't feature in the T20Is against Pakistan earlier in the summer as well.

The experienced cricketer hasn't played a One-Day International since the ICC World Cup 2023 and might just consider further freeing up his calendar and schedule for domestic T20 commitments, having not played any Tests since 2017. 


James Neesham To Consider Future For New Zealand 

Neesham indicated, however, that he could retire from international cricket entirely if he decides to prioritise leagues around the globe approaching the fag end of his thirties in what has been a long playing career in the competitive game.


"I don't take too many long term goals. Obvious goal is the T20 World Cup coming up in couple of month's time and try to win that for New Zealand. After that, probably I will take a pause and have a think about my international future whether I will keep playing for New Zealand or I will go for full time T20s," Neesham told the reporters.

"I think as an all-rounder, you played until 35-36 years of your age, is a pretty good effort. So I will try to stay as fit as it can and stay in good shape. Hopefully, I will stay injury free and see how long I can play cricket and contribute to winning teams."

New Zealand are placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June alongside Afghanistan and co-hosts West Indies, as well as Uganda and PNG. The Black Caps start off their campaign on June 8 against the Afghans.