Even after losing his New Zealand Cricket contract, Jimmy Neesham will still be in contention to play for the Blackcaps over the coming year, according to coach Gary Stead.
Neesham, 31, was the surprise omission from New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) 20 offered contracts for the 2022/23 season.
Instead, NZC has offered Neesham's Wellington teammate Michael Bracewell his first contract, coming after making his international debut against the Netherlands earlier this year.
Bracewell was selected in the Blackcaps' one day international and Twenty20 squads to face the Netherlands, and last week earned his first call-up to the extended test side for New Zealand's tour of England this month.
But speaking on Friday, coach Stead outlined that although Neesham hasn't been contracted for the next year, he will still be in contention for Blackcaps selection.
Neesham can still continue as a contracted player in New Zealand domestic cricket, while also hoping to stay in the Blackcaps' plans for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in Australia later this year.
"He's obviously disappointed," Stead said. "There's no doubt about that.
"But, Jimmy's lost a New Zealand contract, but it doesn't mean he's lost a contract within New Zealand. There's still the opportunity to pick up a domestic contract, and be available to play domestically.
"It also doesn't mean Jimmy Neesham won't play for New Zealand again. It's a process of contracting, it's not the process of selection."
Neesham hasn't played for New Zealand since November last year, as COVID-19 and Indian Premier League commitments scuppered any chance of him turning out in a limited overs match for the Blackcaps over the last home summer.
