Noakhali had contacted Neesham even before the BPL auction, and the early discussions progressed positively. However, the franchise did not reach a formal agreement with him.
Rajshahi later approached the Kiwi all-rounder, who demanded a higher salary than what Noakhali had offered. After negotiations, both parties reached an agreement.
As a result, Neesham is set to represent Rajshahi in the upcoming edition of the league. The Kiwi star is currently playing in the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE.
Neesham also participated in last season’s BPL. Although he arrived in Bangladesh before the final, the champions Fortune Barishal did not field him against Chattogram Kings. In the 2024 BPL, he played seven matches for Rangpur Riders, scoring 291 runs with three half-centuries.
Meanwhile, Sylhet Titans have confirmed the signing of Ethan Brooks, the 24-year-old English pace-bowling all-rounder. Brooks will be available for the entire duration of the tournament, the franchise announced officially.
In the UAE, former England opener Alex Hales is currently featuring in the ILT20 for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Once the league concludes, he is expected to join the Dhaka Capitals for the BPL. Dhaka had completed a direct signing with Hales before the auction.
However, the ILT20 final is scheduled for 4 January. If Abu Dhabi qualify, Hales may miss the opening few matches for Dhaka. To avoid uncertainty, the franchise has already secured Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz as backup.
Dhaka Capitals CEO Atique Fahad confirmed the development and said the team hopes to have at least one of Hales or Gurbaz available from the start of the tournament, which begins in Sylhet on 26 December.
