Neesham demands NPL pay, Pokhara Avengers promise clearance

KATHMANDU: New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham took to social media to voice that he had not received his payment while playing in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Following the post, Pokhara Avengers confirmed that discussions had taken place with Neesham and that his remaining payment would be cleared by Tuesday.

Neesham had returned from the ICC T20 World Cup final, where New Zealand was defeated by India on Sunday night.

In an Instagram post appreciating Neesham’s performance, Pokhara Avengers received a comment from the cricketer highlighting the unpaid amount. Neesham wrote: “cool, pay your players”, urging the franchise to settle dues promptly.

He had played the first four matches for Pokhara in the second season of the NPL.

Pokhara Avengers explained that less than 15% of Neesham’s total payment was pending.

The delay, they said, was due to administrative procedures requiring payment in US dollars, which were further slowed by a change in the member secretary.

The official added: “We have completed the necessary process today and expect the full amount to reach his account by tomorrow.”

Delayed payments are not new in Nepalese franchise cricket.

During the inaugural Nepal T20 League organized by CAN, players of the Kathmandu Knights team had not received their remuneration, despite the federation promising to settle dues for the team after poor attendance.

Even today, several players have yet to receive their full payments from that tournament.