Jimmy Neesham, the prime contender for World XI series in Pakistan

New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham appears to be a prime contender to represent his country in the World XI team which will tour Pakistan in September. The news comes as a relief for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) had earlier declared that none of the contracted players would travel to the country for the series.

According to reports, it has also been understood that the Black Cap has been offered US$100,000. The ICC has granted the matches full international status with the PCB covering all tour expenses. The team would be coached by Zimbabwean great Andy Flower and it will attend a preparatory camp in Dubai a week before the series. The tour is set to commence in the second week of September.

NOC required from NZC

Jimmy Neesham’s trip to Pakistan can only be thwarted if the New Zealand board refuses to issue a ‘No Objection certificate’ (NOC). Any ICC-sanctioned event needs an NOC by way of compliance from respective members. A player can be denied an NOC on the basis of player welfare or it also can be withheld if there are injury concerns or International duty intervenes.

Last time NZC refused to provide an NOC to their star batsman Ross Taylor when he wanted to play for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League on the New year’s day too soon after playing his last game for Central Districts. If at all NZC grants the permission to Neesham to take part in the historic series, it is likely to come with a disclaimer that they will shoulder no liability for his travel, such as the cost of insurance.

The Black Caps all-rounder was recently a part of the NatWest T20 Blast where he played 14 matches for Kent. His team finished mid table in the South group and they missed the chance to qualify for the quarter finals. The 26-year-old scored 203 runs from 11 innings at an average of 29 and strike rate of 128; he took 14 wickets at an average of 33.07, a strike rate of 21 and economy rate of 9.41.

Daniel Vettori and Grant Elliott are among the former New Zealand players believed to have been approached for the World XI series.