25th November 2024: New Zealand international Jimmy Neesham is currently plying his trade in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, the eighth edition of the tournament at Zayed Cricket Stadium, for the newly-formed Ajman Bolts franchise. While the team has been unable to get the results going their way, losing their first three games, the all-rounder believes it is only a matter of time before their fortunes can change.

“It’s been good. We have not had the results so far, but as far as our set-up for the new team and new environment is concerned, it has been going well. The guys have been working hard behind the scenes and doing scouting and meeting and all those things to give ourselves a bit of chance and hopefully, we can turn it around,” Neesham at the virtual media roundtable held with the local media in Abu Dhabi.

Neesham played for the Northern Warriors last year and enjoyed a good season with both bat and ball. On being asked about the reasons for his return, the 34-year-old explained why Abu Dhabi T10 is garnering attention from international stars.

“It’s a really high-quality tournament. The calibre of teams here are top-notch. It’s a well-organised event as well. There are good resources here in Abu Dhabi – there is golf, nice hotels, and nice restaurants. As far as off-the-field, enjoyment is concerned, it’s really good. Hence, the guys are always keen to come back,” he said.

Neesham further opined that being a short and enjoyable format, the T10 has a space in international cricket, as it will allow players from smaller cricketing boards to feature more in the international circuit. “The reality of cricket is that it is a job. If T10 is a lucrative avenue, then cricketers would surely want to go down for a year-round commitment,” Neesham said.

“It is very strongly position at the moment. With the way its expanding, and rumours going on about different locations, already. It is enjoyable and a fun format and it is not too taxing on the body. You can continue to play it in your late 30s. So, there is definite space for it in the international calendar, especially when it compares pretty favourably for smaller international boards, who do not get the big slice of ICC pie,” the left-handed batter added.

The Kiwi star further said that franchise cricket allows the players from associate nations to compete along with the best players in the world, and thus helps in bridging the gap in the sport.

“Players from associate nations and getting confidence that you can compete at that level. 10-15 years ago, you had World Cups internationally where the gaps between the associate nations and the ICC full member nations. I do not think that is the case any more. Now, in World Cup tournaments, there is no fear factor or awe that you had before – and it is a much more level playing field,” he signed off.