T20 Blast champions Gloucestershire have confirmed the signing of D’Arcy Short as they aim to retain their title. Short, who boasts an impressive record in Australia’s Big Bash League, will join his Western Australia teammate, Cameron Bancroft. The Australian international, who has featured in 23 T20Is for his country, has previously played in England with Durham and Hampshire. He is expected to be available for the entirety of the group stage, beginning next week.
“I can’t wait to join the reigning Blast winners, Gloucestershire, for the 2025 T20 Vitality Blast,” said Short. “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.”
Gloucestershire’s coach, Mark Alleyne, expressed his delight at securing Short’s services: “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, Durham have added New Zealand’s James Neesham to their squad for the competition. Neesham, joining compatriot Zak Foulkes, is a seasoned campaigner in T20 cricket with previous spells at five other county sides. “I am really looking forward to playing for Durham this summer,” he said. “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.”
Durham’s director of cricket, Marcus North, commented on Neesham’s signing: “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.”
The rearranged IPL schedule is set to impact player availability for some teams at the start of the Blast. Notably, Mitchell Santner of Mumbai Indians is likely to join Surrey late, while Yorkshire and Warwickshire will begin without Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson, who have secured late IPL deals.
In other news, Australia’s Laura Harris is set to play for Warwickshire in the inaugural women’s Blast. “I’ve heard fantastic things about the team environment and the passion of the supporters,” Harris remarked. “I’m eager to get started, contribute on the field, and hopefully play a big role in a successful campaign.”
