James Neesham puts forth his reason for choosing the IPL over the PSL; engages in a banter with a fan

James Neesham has been a key member of the New Zealand limited-overs teams and was one of the major reasons behind the Black Caps making the 2019 World Cup final. He also played in the Super Over, which was tied, robbing the Kiwis off a victory in the game against England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. He last played back in March against Australia at the iconic SCG.

The southpaw is now set to ply his trade for the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament is scheduled to get underway on Saturday, September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), though the fixtures are yet to be released. Previously, he played four matches in the IPL way back in 2014, representing the Delhi Daredevils, now Capitals.

Neesham set to play in IPL 2020

In the auction back in December 2019, KXIP bagged Neesham at his base price of INR 50 lakhs. The Punjab franchise is yet to win the IPL, but the New Zealander’s inclusion is expected to boost their lineup to a significant extent.

In the meantime, a fan questioned him for playing in the IPL and not in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The fan asked Neesham and wrote, “@JimmyNeesh You Are Playing IPl But Not PSL why ? ipl gives you more money & fame thats why you are not playing PSL very Sad #Pakistan,”

However, Neesham had a witty reply up his sleeve. He replied to the fan and wrote, “Or because PSL is in the middle of our home summer?”

Here’s James Neesham’s reply

Or because PSL is in the middle of our home summer? https://t.co/kab4La5vlX

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) August 31, 2020

As far as the PSL is concerned, the tournament came to a halt back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The semi-finalists were decided after which it had to be postponed for an indefinite time period. For the first time, the Lahore Qalandars had qualified for the playoffs.

Even as the IPL is only a few weeks away, the future of the 2020 PSL isn’t known just yet. Pakistan, recently, resumed playing international cricket with the tour of England.