New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is returning to the Janakpur Bolts for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) season.

The 35-year-old, who played a key role in helping Janakpur win the inaugural NPL title in 2024, has been re-signed by the franchise, Janakpur announced on its social media platforms on Tuesday.

Neesham scored 247 runs in nine matches during the first edition, striking at more than 196 and averaging above 35. His explosive batting earned him the award for the tournament’s best strike rate. He also took seven wickets.

“Jimmy has earned a special place not only on the field but also in the hearts of our supporters. His loyalty and relationship with Janakpur Bolts is a beautiful story in itself. The hero of our championship-winning first season has returned home once again,” Janakpur Bolts chief executive officer Niroj Khatiwada said in a statement.

Neesham moved to Pokhara Avengers in the second season after Janakpur did not have a slot. He played four matches, scoring 99 runs, including a half-century, and taking five wickets.

This time, Neesham will represent Janakpur as a Test-category overseas player.

He has played 12 Tests, 76 ODIs and 105 T20 internationals for New Zealand. In February, he featured for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final against India.

A regular on the global franchise circuit, Neesham has played in the Indian Premier League for the Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. He has also featured in the Lanka Premier League, Vitality Blast, Bangladesh Premier League, UAE’s International League T20, Pakistan Super League, South Africa’s SA20, The Hundred, Big Bash League and Caribbean Premier League.

The NPL title with Janakpur in 2024 was Neesham’s first championship in franchise cricket.