Key Points

Gloucestershire has signed Australian T20 specialist D'Arcy Short for their 2025 Vitality Blast campaign. Short, a two-time BBL Player of the Tournament, will reunite with Western Australia teammate Cameron Bancroft. Meanwhile, Durham secured New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham, adding depth to their squad. Both players bring extensive T20 experience as teams prepare for the upcoming tournament.

Key Points: Gloucestershire Sign D'Arcy Short for T20 Blast Title Defence

  • Gloucestershire strengthens title defence with BBL star D'Arcy Short
  • Short reunites with WA teammate Cameron Bancroft
  • Durham signs James Neesham as experienced T20 all-rounder
  • Neesham brings global franchise experience to Durham squad
2 min read

T20 Blast champions Gloucestershire sign D'Arcy Short; Neesham moves to Durham

T20 Blast champions Gloucestershire bolster squad with D'Arcy Short, while Durham secures James Neesham ahead of the 2025 Vitality Blast.

"I can’t wait to join the reigning Blast winners... and be a part of their success in 2025. – D'Arcy Short"

Gloucestershire, May 20

T20 Blast champions Gloucestershire acquired D'Arcy Short as they prepare for their title defence ahead of the tournament's opener on May 29.

With Short joining Gloucestershire, he will have the opportunity to play alongside his Western Australia teammate Cameron Bancroft. Short is a two-time Big Bash League Player of the Tournament and has earned 23 T20I caps for Australia between 2018 and 2020. He has experience playing in the T20 Blast, courtesy of his stints with Durham (2019) and Hampshire (2021).

"I can't wait to join the reigning Blast winners, Gloucestershire, for the 2025 T20 Vitality Blast. They are a well-run club and I can't wait to meet the players, the rest of the club, and be a part of their success in 2025," Short said while speaking to the club.

Gloucestershire's coach, Mark Alleyne, expressed his delight over Short's acquisition and said, "We are so pleased to get D'Arcy over the line... He brings a batting versatility with him, being brilliantly effective from No. 1-6, and offering spin options in the Powerplay and middle. D'Arcy complements everything we are about and [we] can't wait to get him on board."

Meanwhile, Short's former club, Durham, signed New Zealand's experienced all-rounder James Neesham. Neesham's stint with Durham marks his sixth county club, after previously playing with Derbyshire, Essex, Kent, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

"I am really looking forward to playing for Durham this summer. The Vitality Blast is one of my favourite competitions and I have heard good things about the Durham squad. I look forward to getting stuck in with the lads in a few weeks," he said.

Marcus North, Durham's director of cricket, added, "Jimmy is an experienced international T20 allrounder with a proven track record of delivering performances for New Zealand and in franchise competitions around the world. His ability to influence games either with the bat or ball provides us with a proven matchwinner."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great signings by both teams! Short was brilliant in BBL and Neesham brings that Kiwi X-factor. Hope we get to watch these matches live in India - the Blast is such an entertaining tournament! 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
Interesting to see Australian and NZ players choosing county cricket over IPL. Shows the quality of English domestic cricket. Though I wish BCCI would allow our young players to gain this kind of overseas experience too!
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Arjun S.
Short-Neesham swap between Gloucs-Durham is smart business. Both explosive players who can change games. But honestly, as an Indian fan, I'm more excited about our domestic talent in IPL. Still, good to follow global T20 leagues!
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Sanjana R.
The Blast is so underrated! Quality is almost at par with IPL but doesn't get same attention. Hope Hotstar or Sony picks up broadcasting rights for India. We cricket crazy fans want to watch all good cricket, not just IPL 😊
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Vikram J.
Neesham is a great utility player but at 34, how much does he have left? Durham might have been better investing in younger talent. Meanwhile Short at Gloucs is perfect - exactly what defending champs need!
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Meena P.
As someone who follows women's cricket more, I wish the women's county T20 got this kind of coverage and international signings! The Kia Super League was brilliant before it ended. ECB should bring back something similar.

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