ISLAMABAD – New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has emerged as another contender to be selected for the World XI, which is set to play a three-match T20 series in Pakistan next month.
The Black Cap has been offered US$100,000 to spend less than a week in Lahore as part of a 15-man squad coached by Andy Flower, NZ media reported on Wednesday.
Neesham’s selection can only be thwarted if New Zealand Cricket refuses to issue a “no objection certificate” to him for the tour. Any ICC-sanctioned event needs an NOC by way of compliance from respective members.
According to reports, former NZ spinner Daniel Vettori and all-rounder Grant Elliott are also believed to have been approached for the World XI series.
Vettori turned down the offer whereas Elliott is yet to respond. Elliott is currently playing for Warwickshire in the T20 Blast in England.
Neesham recently played 14 matches for Kent in the T20 Blast competition. The 26-year-old all-rounder scored 203 runs in 11 innings at an average of 29 and strike rate of 128; he also bagged 14 wickets at an average of 33.07.
South African duo of Imran Tahir and Hashim Amla are also tipped to feature in the World XI squad, as are former England captain Paul Collingwood and Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis.-Online
