"NZ Cricket player welfare policy that 1st-choice players aren’t on this tour" : Jimmy Neesham

[Aman]

"NZ Cricket player welfare policy that 1st-choice players aren’t on this tour" : Jimmy Neesham

New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has shut down a fan on social media who questioned his loyalty as he didn’t travel to Bangladesh for national assignments to play in T20 leagues. Meanwhile, the Black Caps side has copped a lot of criticisms for not sending their T20 World Cup squad to Bangladesh.

New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham is not a part of the Kiwi squad that have traveled to Bangladesh and is due to tour Pakistan. However, he will be available for the Mumbai Indians (MI) side for the second half of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that will be held in the UAE.

In the wake of it, a fan questioned Jimmy Neesham’s move to skip international tours for T20 leagues. Shutting down the fan, the all-rounder stated that it was a part of the New Zealand Cricket Player Welfare Policy that he is not a part of this tour. Neesham added that he made a request for exemption, but the same was denied by the board.

“I’m getting a lot of messages like this so I want to be crystal clear. It is an NZ Cricket player welfare policy that first-choice players aren’t on this tour. I made a request for an exemption but that request was denied,” Jimmy Neesham wrote on Twitter.


New Zealand registered their joint-lowest T20I score as they were bowled out by the host for a paltry score of 60 runs. Electing to bat, New Zealand were bowled out for 60 in the 17th over. Mustafizur Rahman claimed three wickets while Shakib Al Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, and Mohammad Saifuddin contributed with two wickets each.

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/ji...NJjhoUs3HBEvl6N2c8kz2dcL7zd8uIch9a2RbyzCcc1N7

 

[Space Cat]

Its true. Even the coach Gary Stead is not on this tour due to this policy.

 

[ahsan17]

What exactly is this policy, and would NZ players have invoked this policy on a tour to Australia, England or India?

 

[Snowflake]

Policy would make sense if NZ are able to beat BD. However, if you end up on the losing side, what welfare are we talking about? The team is humiliated and you get paid the big bucks from IPL - hogwash!

Have a strong enough second XI before experimenting with these dumb ideas. Otherwise, the country just ends up looking stupid!

 

[Space Cat]

What exactly is this policy, and would NZ players have invoked this policy on a tour to Australia, England or India?

NZ have a lot of away cricket coming up with a lot of time spent in bubbles. They have implimented some kind of policy which i dont know the exact details of but it includes coaching and management staff.

A T20 series vs Bangladesh is unfortunately on the bottom of the priorty scale.

 

[Last Monetarist]

It's a perfectly sensible policy, these meaningless white ball tours are only relevant to the extent of sides testing their bench strength and giving chances to reserve players. There's absolutely nothing to be gained for New Zealand to send across a full-strength team to play in such matches.

 

[cricketjoshila]

What exactly is this policy, and would NZ players have invoked this policy on a tour to Australia, England or India?

No they won't. Because Bangladesh is not a top priority tour for most teams.

 

[redmaverik84]

Is this the same team that tours Pakistan after the Bangladesh series?

 

[MenInG]

It's a perfectly sensible policy, these meaningless white ball tours are only relevant to the extent of sides testing their bench strength and giving chances to reserve players. There's absolutely nothing to be gained for New Zealand to send across a full-strength team to play in such matches.

Pakistan will use teh T20Is to field their WT20 combo I think - so important for us I believe.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

NZ have a lot of away cricket coming up with a lot of time spent in bubbles. They have implimented some kind of policy which i dont know the exact details of but it includes coaching and management staff.

A T20 series vs Bangladesh is unfortunately on the bottom of the priorty scale.

NZ cricketers seem to be the only ones that can’t handle the bubble when it comes to international cricket. But the IPL bubble, not that.

 

[KyoOne]

Is this the same team that tours Pakistan after the Bangladesh series?

More or less. Few additions, like M Guptil, 2 Legspinners, and M Chapman

 

[Aman]

Policy would make sense if NZ are able to beat BD. However, if you end up on the losing side, what welfare are we talking about? The team is humiliated and you get paid the big bucks from IPL - hogwash!

Have a strong enough second XI before experimenting with these dumb ideas. Otherwise, the country just ends up looking stupid!

Seems like desis care more about this loss than NZ fans.

Fans don' give a damn about the results of this series. I don't think any of these players are in the WT20 squad and its being used to assess the ability of these players.

There's apparently a 60 day policy for overseas tours, we have the Pakistan series, WT20 and Indian series coming up.

 

[Space Cat]

NZ cricketers seem to be the only ones that can’t handle the bubble when it comes to international cricket. But the IPL bubble, not that.

NZ cricketers are also the only ones with the world test championship and the #1 ranking in both Tests and ODIs so i trust the judgement of the current administration wholeheartedly.

 

[Mamoon]

What exactly is this policy, and would NZ players have invoked this policy on a tour to Australia, England or India?

Probably not.

New Zealand cricket thrives on being pushovers and playing the good guy act.

 

[Mamoon]

Seems like desis care more about this loss than NZ fans.

Fans don' give a damn about the results of this series. I don't think any of these players are in the WT20 squad and its being used to assess the ability of these players.

There's apparently a 60 day policy for overseas tours, we have the Pakistan series, WT20 and Indian series coming up.

Well you were the one who started a thread to moan about the pitches, so clearly it bothered you.

Non-desi New Zealand fans probably don’t care though. I agree with that.

 

[ahsan17]

NZ have a lot of away cricket coming up with a lot of time spent in bubbles. They have implimented some kind of policy which i dont know the exact details of but it includes coaching and management staff.

A T20 series vs Bangladesh is unfortunately on the bottom of the priorty scale.

So it's not really a welfare policy than, if it will only ever be used when playing against lower-ranked teams. More like avoid-playing-meaningless-series policy.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I think the hypocrisy is what annoys most people.

We know that there is no chance Kiwi players would miss the IPL for welfare reasons.

I mean Kane Williamson was happy playing with people dying around him and was travelling wearing a flippin nuclear hazmat suit.

Mant players burnout and mental health issues also disappears when the IPL is in town.

Most of us can accept that, because the levels of money being offered is difficult to turn down.

Just don't try and pull the wool over peoples eyes with phoney excuses.

 

[Space Cat]

I think the hypocrisy is what annoys most people.

We know that there is no chance Kiwi players would miss the IPL for welfare reasons.

I mean Kane Williamson was happy playing with people dying around him and was travelling wearing a flippin nuclear hazmat suit.

Mant players burnout and mental health issues also disappears when the IPL is in town.

Most of us can accept that, because the levels of money being offered is difficult to turn down.

Just don't try and pull the wool over peoples eyes with phoney excuses.

The players also have IPL clauses in their contracts. They have a right to secure their financial futures. Their time in the IPL is outside of the hands of NZC. I dont know about you but a million dollars would certainly improve my welfare.

This tour of Bangladesh and Pakistan was only recently confirmed so its a logical place to miss time.

Also worth noting the policy is focussed on mental health not physical.

 

[Space Cat]

So it's not really a welfare policy than, if it will only ever be used when playing against lower-ranked teams. More like avoid-playing-meaningless-series policy.

Well if you were forced to take a holiday what series would you choose to miss? The world cup, the big money tour of India or a t20 warm up series in Bangladesh? Be honest.

Its a shame for Bangladesh but its the nature of world right now. We will be back with a full strength side soon enough.

 

[Rana]

Well if you were forced to take a holiday what series would you choose to miss? The world cup, the big money tour of India or a t20 warm up series in Bangladesh? Be honest.

Its a shame for Bangladesh but its the nature of world right now. We will be back with a full strength side soon enough.

Well I hope NZ don’t cross 100 in their tour of Bangladesh and Pakistan

 

[Space Cat]

Its a hard truth for some but NZC embracing the IPL rather than fighting it has actually been a positive.

I would rather have guys miss a few t20s here and there if it means they will stick around for a long test career.

If this was 15 years ago i would be getting ready for Williamson to retire in a year or two. In the current climate he has at least another 5 years maybe more with no concerns financially.

 

[Space Cat]

Well I hope NZ don’t cross 100 in their tour of Bangladesh and Pakistan

I dont know if i can ever recover from this heart break.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

The players also have IPL clauses in their contracts. They have a right to secure their financial futures. Their time in the IPL is outside of the hands of NZC. I dont know about you but a million dollars would certainly improve my welfare.

This tour of Bangladesh and Pakistan was only recently confirmed so its a logical place to miss time.

Also worth noting the policy is focussed on mental health not physical.

I support their right to secure their financial futures. Most people in their situation would do the same.

I just dont like the ** around it.

 

[gazza619]

Welfare of bloody what?

Nonsense reply by Neesham.

 

[IMMY69]

Its a pretty lame excuse.

Whilst I don't really care for meaningless T20's, the world cup is just around the corner so every game is now important for gaining form and getting your selections right.

If you need rest then give up on the league not your country.

 

[IMMY69]

Its a hard truth for some but NZC embracing the IPL rather than fighting it has actually been a positive.

I would rather have guys miss a few t20s here and there if it means they will stick around for a long test career.

If this was 15 years ago i would be getting ready for Williamson to retire in a year or two. In the current climate he has at least another 5 years maybe more with no concerns financially.

yes lets thank god for the times when players would do 4 months in first class cricket and then play cricket for their countries and only go on until they were 40 years old (Gooch, Miandad, Richards etc etc etc).

 

[cricketjoshila]

Well I hope NZ don’t cross 100 in their tour of Bangladesh and Pakistan

And that will not make much difference to the C team players.

The first team players will be playing in UAE where the T20 WC is scheduled.

 

[cricketjoshila]

yes lets thank god for the times when players would do 4 months in first class cricket and then play cricket for their countries and only go on until they were 40 years old (Gooch, Miandad, Richards etc etc etc).

No cricket was played during the county season as all players went to england to earn county money.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Welfare of bloody what?

Nonsense reply by Neesham.

Welfare of NZ players.

Thats what matters for them.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Seems pakistani fans are more upset than NZ ones.

Btw the IPL is still 20 days away, so NZ players could have played in BD. But ofcourse tours to BD are not a priority for most players.

 

[mastimasti]

Welfare of NZ players.

Thats what matters for them.

Yes but those same players are playing in the IPL, so the policy does not make sense and it seems to be the theme of the thread.

Personally, as a cricket fan it's annoying but I don't mind as it means NZ are the team which will lose points in their own ODI standings for the world cup. If there was a similar system for t20 it would make teams rethink.

 

[Pakhs]

Seems pakistani fans are more upset than NZ ones.

Btw the IPL is still 20 days away, so NZ players could have played in BD. But ofcourse tours to BD are not a priority for most players.

NZ fans do not care about cricket as much as Pakistanis.

 

[Rana]

And that will not make much difference to the C team players.

The first team players will be playing in UAE where the T20 WC is scheduled.

They’ve just dropped to 6 on the T20i rankings

 

[Canistani Hero]

To each their own, they can test bench strength. You can influence another team's policy.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Yes but those same players are playing in the IPL, so the policy does not make sense and it seems to be the theme of the thread.

Personally, as a cricket fan it's annoying but I don't mind as it means NZ are the team which will lose points in their own ODI standings for the world cup. If there was a similar system for t20 it would make teams rethink.

IPL hasn't started yet.

Well its clear that Bangladesh isnt a priority for most players, their board has given them the choice and thats that.

I will be happier to watch kane or boult pay 5 years against top ranked teams and skipping lower ranked teams, rather than retire in 3 years to play only league cricket to earn retirement money.

 

[cricketjoshila]

They’ve just dropped to 6 on the T20i rankings

They will still play the T20 WC.

Its not test championship that top 2 will play the final.

 

[cricketjoshila]

NZ fans do not care about cricket as much as Pakistanis.

Or they don't hate IPL.

 

[Snowflake]

Seems like desis care more about this loss than NZ fans.

Fans don' give a damn about the results of this series. I don't think any of these players are in the WT20 squad and its being used to assess the ability of these players.

There's apparently a 60 day policy for overseas tours, we have the Pakistan series, WT20 and Indian series coming up.

I mean you can say whatever you want to pacify yourself but the fact is that your national team got trounced. Saying we don't care after a loss isn't a good look.

I said the same thing when Pak fans were complaining about England's second string slide. If they beat us with their second stride side, we have no legitimacy to complain, however if we beat them, like BD did to NZ, then selecting the B side looks really silly.

 

[IMMY69]

No cricket was played during the county season as all players went to england to earn county money.

England played during the county season.

and when Rbgland played vs West Indies, the West Indian players would go back to county cricket after the series. Likewise with Pakistan etc etc..

This has nothing to with the IPL so take your nationalistic goggles off for one moment.
It's about hypocrisy.

If you're not playing for your country and instead choosing to play league cricket then don't say it's to do with welfare policy. That's just laughable..

 

[Saj]

They might have to change this 'welfare' policy if they get thrashed in Bangladesh and Pakistan in the coming days.

 

[IMMY69]

Or they don't hate IPL.

Your nationalism has caused you to lose the plot.
Not everything is anti IPL.

 

[sweep_shot]

NZ may get whitewashed in both BD and Pakistan.

They have sent in a really weak side.

Welfare policy is good but this is too much.

 

[hitthestump]

If you're worried about player welfare, why organise a tour at all?

 

[gazza619]

Welfare of NZ players.

Thats what matters for them.

I get that but how does the welfare get abandoned by playing for NZ?

 

[Rana]

If you're worried about player welfare, why organise a tour at all?

Because their welfare depends on these poor teams also touring them in the future

 

[Space Cat]

Why are we pretending like the whole NZ squad and coaching staff is playing in the IPL?

The whole team is being rested. Only a handful play in the IPL.

We have the same system in NZ rugby. Long time players are allowed a sabbatical from their contracted duties. They can ether take rest or use the time to earn extra money for their families. Its a proven policy.

Most of you wouldnt give toss about this series in any other scenario.

 

[Executioner]

Its a hard truth for some but NZC embracing the IPL rather than fighting it has actually been a positive.

I would rather have guys miss a few t20s here and there if it means they will stick around for a long test career.

If this was 15 years ago i would be getting ready for Williamson to retire in a year or two. In the current climate he has at least another 5 years maybe more with no concerns financially.

While I do agree the financial security is great however to say this is what prompts cricketers to have long international career is generally false.

A lot of cricketers are more than okay with retiring early because they have already secured a good income, and others retire from internationals and play T20 leagues around the world. In the past though, players would aim to have long international career because they'd still earn pretty well from those extra years of international cricket.

Now If your argument is that players retire and switch to another career (which could even be related to cricket) then it is a fair argument. I am positive that in NZ it is not inconvenient to find a job in another field that pays well. But in the subcontinent, an entry level job won't pay the bills.

 

[Executioner]

I would however, like to sympathize with NZ cricketers. I believe they need to be in institutional quarantine (as with Aus) when they enter the country. Other countries don't have any such policies. So it is not possible for them to constantly go abroad and return as they would usually do

 

[Space Cat]

While I do agree the financial security is great however to say this is what prompts cricketers to have long international career is generally false.

A lot of cricketers are more than okay with retiring early because they have already secured a good income, and others retire from internationals and play T20 leagues around the world. In the past though, players would aim to have long international career because they'd still earn pretty well from those extra years of international cricket.

Now If your argument is that players retire and switch to another career (which could even be related to cricket) then it is a fair argument. I am positive that in NZ it is not inconvenient to find a job in another field that pays well. But in the subcontinent, an entry level job won't pay the bills.

Yea my statement was more specific to NZ cricketers. We had a lot retire early as the media and coaching roles were just as well paid as playing and a fraction of the effort. It was different again if you go back to the 80s with the likes of Hadlee playing long into their 30s.

 

[Space Cat]

I would however, like to sympathize with NZ cricketers. I believe they need to be in institutional quarantine (as with Aus) when they enter the country. Other countries don't have any such policies. So it is not possible for them to constantly go abroad and return as they would usually do

Correct its two weeks quarantine upon returning to NZ each time. Just sitting in a hotel room the whole time.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

A T20 series with Bangladesh is one of the most useless thing in world cricket. Bangladesh needs it far more than NZ.

 

[gazza619]

A T20 series with Bangladesh is one of the most useless thing in world cricket. Bangladesh needs it far more than NZ.

I find that rather disrespectful.

In today’s world teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, WI & SA are not miles apart from each other. Are you suggesting NZ should stick playing cricket with Australia, India & England for the purpose of their so called welfare? Or perhaps NZ should invite Bangladesh at home only and play on their 40 m sized boundaries (which can also be called as disgrace to six hitting by some).

 

[Usman Chadda]

Not sure what NZ cricket gains from sending these young players up for slaughter in completely alien conditions. They are more or less destroying the confidence of all these players.

 

[Space Cat]

Not sure what NZ cricket gains from sending these young players up for slaughter in completely alien conditions. They are more or less destroying the confidence of all these players.

Experience in tough foreign conditions. Most of them wont play again but a few will gain valuable experience in a young career.

What i dont like is there is so many players in this side who are just not T20 players. It feels more like a one day line up.

 

[gazza619]

Not sure what NZ cricket gains from sending these young players up for slaughter in completely alien conditions. They are more or less destroying the confidence of all these players.

Dont worry, the welfare (or shall I say the pockets of a few) NZ players is now safe. Thats all that matters really for them.

 

[Saj]

Welfare Policy 0 Bangladesh 2 so far in the series.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

NZ cricket might think twice the next before sending second string squads to other countries. Would be interesting if it starts happening the other way around as well.

 

[shaz619]

Their welfare policy is to send their back up team to the wolves so the first team remain in cotton wool - bunch of heartless cowards with no spine, nice guys my backside

 

[YousafTheBeast]

I pray NZ lose every single game on their tours to Ban and Pak. Maybe then NZC will think twice about sending their B teams whilst most of their top players are enjoying themselves in T20 leagues.

 

[gazza619]

Welfare Policy 0 Bangladesh 2 so far in the series.

I wonder if players can fix matches and then use the excuse that they did it for their welfare.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I pray NZ lose every single game on their tours to Ban and Pak. Maybe then NZC will think twice about sending their B teams whilst most of their top players are enjoying themselves in T20 leagues.

Are these tours on top of any team's priority list? Australia too Sent a C team to BD.

If your C team loses its not a big deal.

Its a tour for them to gain some experience.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Are these tours on top of any team's priority list? Australia too Sent a C team to BD.

If your C team loses its not a big deal.

Its a tour for them to gain some experience.

It’s not just about NZ, it’s about the spectators too who deserve to see the top players.

Would you pay 5000Rs to watch Australia’s C team tour India?
As a spectator, I want to see the best players from both sides.

If Pakistan sends their B team on a tour to NZ, I’m pretty sure the NZC board would be very unpleased, and spectators won’t be happy either.

 

[cricketjoshila]

It’s not just about NZ, it’s about the spectators too who deserve to see the top players.

Would you pay 5000Rs to watch Australia’s C team tour India?
As a spectator, I want to see the best players from both sides.

If Pakistan sends their B team on a tour to NZ, I’m pretty sure the NZC board would be very unpleased, and spectators won’t be happy either.

NZ or Australia or India or England are the top teams in the world. Tours to these places matter most to players. So players will priortise these tours and adjust other tours with IPL.

England is also sending a C team to Pakistan. Some players are missing due to injury etc some due to IPL. Same with NZ.

Spectators like their teams will get to watch the teams on the basis of how the opposition priortise them. Its not going to be how i and you wish.

Pakistan right now is not in a position to dictate to NZC regarding which team they will play. And that's the sad reality. PCB seems to have accepted that they will get a B or C team touring them in foreseeable future and that's better for them than hosting in uae.

 

[Aman]

It’s not just about NZ, it’s about the spectators too who deserve to see the top players.

Would you pay 5000Rs to watch Australia’s C team tour India?
As a spectator, I want to see the best players from both sides.

If Pakistan sends their B team on a tour to NZ, I’m pretty sure the NZC board would be very unpleased, and spectators won’t be happy either.

Have the same energy when this NZ team makes you sweat next month.

People have no idea how good some of these players are.

 

[Space Cat]

Welfare Policy 0 Bangladesh 2 so far in the series.

The fruits of this policy wont be the results of this series. That should be rather obvious.

 

[Executioner]

Are these tours on top of any team's priority list? Australia too Sent a C team to BD.

If your C team loses its not a big deal.

Its a tour for them to gain some experience.

NZ sent a second string side. Australia sent half of their WT20 squad. Infact, majority of the Australian cricketers have played in IPL.

 

[Space Cat]

Teams have been sending B sides for limited overs series for a long time.

I still remember Aussie sending a weakened side over to NZ for a 3 match odi series and getting upset by a weak NZ side.

Aussie and Windies have just done it recently. England are rotating their players all year.

NZ just rested players for a test match in England.

Most you dont care about Bangladesh its just a usefull little hill to make a stand on.

 

[Energy]

All you can do in this situation is thrash the team in front of you and make them appear meek, like Ban is doing. There's no need to 'convince' any board about which team to send and therefore get into a 'priority' monopoly and gimmick.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Only a few countries play cricket and this happens, so boring. Football is a lot more universal and less politics.

 

[Snowflake]

Teams have been sending B sides for limited overs series for a long time.

I still remember Aussie sending a weakened side over to NZ for a 3 match odi series and getting upset by a weak NZ side.

Aussie and Windies have just done it recently. England are rotating their players all year.

NZ just rested players for a test match in England.

Most you dont care about Bangladesh its just a usefull little hill to make a stand on.

Yeah, I don't care much about BD but I do care about the the competitiveness of the game. When that competitiveness is taken away due to such actions and we are left with boring to watch games, the criticism is totally valid.

 

[Saj]

NZ last 8 T20Is:

Won 4
Lost 4

Hardly great form is it.

 

[UzmanBeast]

NZ cricket might think twice the next before sending second string squads to other countries. Would be interesting if it starts happening the other way around as well.

Had Pakistan not toured New Zealand in December 2020, the board would have faced considerable revenue losses.

Out of all the top teams, New Zealand have the worst financial status.

If they would like to continue this behavior, I would think that PCB is well within their rights to send our B team over there.

If they want to play against our main team, they should learn to respect the oppositions that are making arrangements for the tours.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

PCB plays a full strength team even against Zimbawe and Ireland due to fear of losing, so they will never ever send a B team coz even their first choice team struggles to win. So fans need to see the reality. PCB will not do this to massage the ego of some delued fans and invite a defeat. Other teams can do this as they a better bench strength.

 

[Kroll]

PCB plays a full strength team even against Zimbawe and Ireland due to fear of losing, so they will never ever send a B team coz even their first choice team struggles to win. So fans need to see the reality. PCB will not do this to massage the ego of some delued fans and invite a defeat. Other teams can do this as they a better bench strength.

Yeah, thing is our 'full strength' side is at the same level as the top 4/5 sides B/C sides.

 

[Space Cat]

Yeah, I don't care much about BD but I do care about the the competitiveness of the game. When that competitiveness is taken away due to such actions and we are left with boring to watch games, the criticism is totally valid.

This series has been pretty competive. A big win each way and a close game.

 

[Bahnz]

I pray NZ lose every single game on their tours to Ban and Pak. Maybe then NZC will think twice about sending their B teams whilst most of their top players are enjoying themselves in T20 leagues.

Pray harder.

 

[Aman]

Pray harder.

They have no clue how good some of these players are. Several of them are going to be regular fixtures in the team in a few years but haven't gotten much international experience. These two series are ideal to give them experience.

 

[gazza619]

They have no clue how good some of these players are. Several of them are going to be regular fixtures in the team in a few years but haven't gotten much international experience. These two series are ideal to give them experience.

Its such a shame that Pakistan think tank dont do the same when they tour Zimbabwe.

 

[Pakhs]

Or they don't hate IPL.

Both are related.. But they dont acre about cricket nearly as much as Pakistani fans they have other sports they excel at which is fair enough.

Regarding IPL didnt realize there was much the think about IPL now a days?

 

[Executioner]

Its such a shame that Pakistan think tank dont do the same when they tour Zimbabwe.

Down to the culture.

Asians don't like being rested and the fans don't appreciate main players not playing.