Kathmandu, August 25
New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has returned to Janakpur Bolts for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Janakpur Bolts announced the signing of the 35-year-old Neesham through social media on Tuesday.
Neesham played a key role in helping Janakpur win the inaugural NPL title in 2024. He scored 247 runs in nine matches at an average of over 35 and a strike rate of more than 196.
He was awarded the Best Strike Rate award for having the highest strike rate in the first edition of the NPL.
Neesham also took seven wickets while playing for Janakpur in the inaugural season. He became a popular figure among Janakpur supporters after representing the team as a ‘cap’ player.
“Jimmy has earned a special place not only on the field but also in the hearts of our supporters. His loyalty and connection with Janakpur Bolts is a beautiful story in itself. The hero who helped us become champions in the first season has returned home,” Janakpur CEO Niroj Khatiwada said.
Janakpur Bolts did not have a cap-player slot in the second season, after which Neesham joined Pokhara Avengers. He played four matches for Pokhara, scoring 99 runs, including a half-century, and taking five wickets.
Neesham will play for Janakpur Bolts this season under the Test-player quota.
He has represented New Zealand in 12 Tests, 76 ODIs and 105 T20Is. In February, he played for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final against India.
Neesham has also been a regular in franchise cricket around the world. He has played in the Indian Premier League for Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals.
He has also featured in the Lanka Premier League, Vitality Blast, Bangladesh Premier League, UAE’s ILT20, Pakistan Super League, South Africa’s SA20, The Hundred, Big Bash League and Caribbean Premier League.
Winning the NPL title with Janakpur two years ago was Neesham’s first franchise cricket title.
