New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham declined a central contract offered by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday. Neesham, who was omitted from the original central contract list earlier this year, was offered one of the available contracts after the departure of Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme.

Neesham turned down the offer having already signed agreements with overseas T20 tournaments. He has his name in for the SA20 league, which has its auction on September 19.

“BLACKCAPS all-rounder Jimmy Neesham was offered one of the available contracts but declined – on the basis of pre-arranged agreements he had already struck with overseas domestic leagues. As with other non-contracted players, Neesham will still be considered for BLACKCAPS selection when available,” NZC’s statement read.

Meanwhile, Blair Tickner and Finn Allen have been added to the central contract list. New Zealand will name their T20 World Cup squad on September 20. They will prepare for the tournament with a tri-series in Christchurch featuring Pakistan and Bangladesh from October 7 to 14.

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The all-rounder explained his decision to do so on his Instagram account in a statement.

He wrote: “I know the news of my decision to decline a central contract today will be seen as me choosing money over representing my country,” Neesham wrote on an Instagram story. “I had planned to accept a contract offer in July, however since being left off the list I have committed to other leagues around the world. It was a difficult decision but I have decided to honour those commitments rather than go back on my word to re-sign with NZ Cricket.

Playing for the [Blackcaps] has been the greatest honour of my career and I remain committed to taking the field with my countrymen for the foreseeable future, especially in pinnacle world events.”