Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Neesham: NZ to rectify T20 World Cup mistakes
James Neesham, a cricket player from New Zealand, said his team is working hard to get ready for the T20 World Cup next year.
They didn't do well in the last World Cup because they didn't play enough practice games.
This time, they are playing a series against India to get ready.
Neesham also talked about how the new contract system in New Zealand might make it hard for the team if too many players choose to play in other leagues instead of for New Zealand.
He hopes a new domestic T20 competition will help keep players interested in playing for New Zealand.
The World Cup starts in February, and New Zealand's first match is against Afghanistan.
New Zealand's poor preparation led to a group-stage exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The team will play a five-game T20 series against India from January 21-31, 2025, to prepare for the 2025 World Cup.
James Neesham emphasized the importance of proper match practice before the World Cup.
Neesham expressed concerns about New Zealand's new casual contract system, which allows players to join other leagues and still be available for international duty.
A proposed domestic T20 competition might encourage players to accept New Zealand contracts and be fully involved with the international team.
- Who
- New Zealand cricket team, led by James Neesham
- What
- Preparation for the 2025 T20 World Cup
- When
- Series against India from January 21-31, 2025; World Cup starts February 7, 2025
- Where
- India and Sri Lanka (World Cup); India (series)
- Why
- To avoid repeating mistakes from the 2024 T20 World Cup and improve preparation
- Player
- James Neesham
- Team
- New Zealand
- Tournament
- T20 World Cup 2025
- Opponent
- India
- Series Dates
- January 21-31, 2025
- World Cup Start
- February 7, 2025
- First Match
- February 8, 2025 (vs Afghanistan)