MI’s Bevon Jacobs earns first New Zealand call-up
Bevon Jacobs, a promising 22-year-old batter from Auckland, received his first international call-up to the New Zealand national cricket team for the T20I series against Sri Lanka in December 2024
Prior to this, Jacobs had an impressive domestic season, notably in the Super Smash competition, where he scored 134 runs in six innings at a remarkable strike rate of 188.73.
His consistent performances earned him a spot in the New Zealand XI for a warm-up match against Sri Lanka, although he did not get an opportunity to bat.
In the 2024 IPL Auction, Jacobs was acquired by the Mumbai Indians for ₹30 lakh (NZ$61,000), highlighting his growing reputation in the cricketing world.
Selectors have expressed optimism about Jacobs’ potential, noting his power-hitting abilities and solid technique.
His inclusion in the national squad marks a significant milestone in his cricketing career, reflecting his rapid ascent through domestic cricket and his potential to make an impact on the international stage.
Who is Bevon Jacobs?
A Dream Come True
Such milestones can feel surreal for players, as they signify a new chapter in their careers and an opportunity to represent their country at the highest level of the sport. For Jacobs, it must be an incredibly fulfilling moment, both personally and professionally, as his dreams of playing international cricket have come to life.
IPL or National Call-Up?
The decision between an IPL call-up or a national call-up is often a matter of perspective and ambition. For Bevon Jacobs, both are significant milestones in their own right, but a national call-up is typically seen as the pinnacle of a cricketer’s career, as it represents the highest level of achievement in the sport.
- National Call-Up: Playing for your country is the ultimate honor in cricket. It offers a cricketer the chance to represent their nation on the international stage, compete in global tournaments, and earn recognition as one of the best in the world. For someone like Bevon Jacobs, being called up to the New Zealand national team is the realization of a lifelong dream and a recognition of his potential at the highest level.
- IPL Call-Up: The IPL (Indian Premier League) is one of the most prestigious and lucrative T20 leagues in the world. It attracts the best talent globally and can provide players with a platform to showcase their skills to a global audience. For a player like Jacobs, joining the IPL would be a career-changing opportunity in terms of exposure, experience, and financial rewards.
In Jacobs’ case, being selected for both the national team and the IPL signals a promising future, as both opportunities complement each other. The national call-up offers international recognition and the chance to cement a place in New Zealand cricket’s future, while the IPL provides a high level of competition and a chance to learn from some of the best players worldwide. Ideally, players aim for both to maximize their growth and career prospec
New Zealand T20I and ODI Squads
T20I and ODI Series Against Sri Lanka (January 2025):
New Zealand has selected the following squads for the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka:
T20I Squad:
- Batters: Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Will Young
- All-rounders: Mitchell Santner (c), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra
- Wicketkeepers: Mitchell Hay, Tom Latham
- Bowlers: Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke
ODI Squad:
- Batters: Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Will Young
- All-rounders: Mitchell Santner (c), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra
- Wicketkeepers: Mitchell Hay, Tom Latham
- Bowlers: Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke
Notably, Bevon Jacobs received his maiden call-up to the national team for the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
For the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled in February 2025, New Zealand has announced a 15-man squad:
- Batters: Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Mark Chapman
- All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (c)
- Wicketkeepers: Tom Latham, Devon Conway
- Bowlers: Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Nathan Smith
This squad includes experienced players like Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson, who have been recalled for the tournament.
For the most current and detailed information, please refer to official announcements from New Zealand Cricket
New Zealand T20I
As of January 2025, New Zealand’s T20 International (T20I) squad has seen several updates and announcements for upcoming series and tournaments.
T20I Series Against Sri Lanka (December 2024):
In December 2024, New Zealand announced their T20I squad for the home series against Sri Lanka. The squad featured a mix of experienced players and newcomers, reflecting the team’s strategy to blend seasoned talent with emerging prospects. Notably, Bevon Jacobs received his maiden call-up to the national team for this series.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Looking ahead, New Zealand has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2025. The squad is led by captain Mitchell Santner and includes a combination of experienced players and debutants. The pace attack features newcomers Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith, all set to participate in their first senior ICC event.
These selections underscore New Zealand Cricket’s commitment to fostering new talent while maintaining a core of experienced players to navigate the challenges of international competitions.