In a surprising development, New Zealand star all-rounder James Neesham has withdrawn from his national team’s tour of India to continue playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025–26.
Neesham was named in New Zealand’s 15-member squad for the five-match T20I series against India, scheduled to begin on January 21. The series was being viewed as a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. However, instead of traveling to India, Neesham has chosen to stay back and fulfill his commitments in the BPL.
Decision Confirmed by BPL Team Coach
Neesham is currently representing the Rajshahi Warriors in the BPL. The confirmation of his decision came from the team’s coach, Hannan Sarkar. According to a report by CricketOne, Sarkar shared on social media that Neesham himself took the call to remain in Bangladesh rather than join the New Zealand squad in India.
“This was James Neesham’s personal decision. He has confirmed that he will continue playing in the BPL 2025–26 season instead of traveling to India,” Sarkar said.
So far, New Zealand Cricket has not released any official statement regarding Neesham’s withdrawal from the India tour.
Recent Form and Career Record
Neesham last played for New Zealand in November, featuring in a T20I against West Indies in Dunedin. In that match, he picked up two wickets while conceding 31 runs in 3.4 overs, though he did not get a chance to bat.
His form in the ongoing BPL season has been modest. In four matches, the 35-year-old has taken only three wickets at an average of 31.66 and has scored just 30 runs with the bat.
Despite the dip in form, Neesham remains one of New Zealand’s experienced campaigners. In T20 internationals, he has played 93 matches, scoring 1,010 runs and taking 56 wickets. In Test cricket, he has featured in 12 matches, scoring 709 runs, including two centuries, and claiming 14 wickets. In One Day Internationals, he has accumulated 1,495 runs and taken 71 wickets across 76 matches.
Context of Regional Tensions
This development comes at a time when cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh are already tense, amid a standoff over venue changes for the T20 World Cup 2026. Against this backdrop, Neesham’s decision to prioritize a franchise league over an international assignment has sparked fresh debate.
With the India–New Zealand T20I series just days away, Neesham’s absence is a notable setback for the visitors, who were counting on his experience and all-round abilities for the high-profile contest.
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