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Bond quits NZ cricket
28/01/2008 07:52 - (SA)
Wellington - Fast bowler Shane Bond cut his ties with New Zealand cricket on Monday to play in the rebel Indian Cricket League.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Monday that Bond had terminated his contact after failing to reach an agreement which would have allowed him to continue his international career while playing in the Indian competition.
"Bond has been sympathetic to NZC's situation," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
"Despite his playing agreements allowing him to continue playing for (New Zealand) and the ICL agreement only requiring his services when international commitments allow, he has decided in the best interests of NZC to terminate his playing agreement," it said. "This has occurred by mutual consent."
Bond sought to strike a deal with New Zealand Cricket which would allow him to continue to play Tests and one-day internationals, while playing for three years in India.
New Zealand Cricket refused to sanction such a deal, holding to its agreement with other Test playing nations to reject for selection any play who joins the rebel competition.
'Immense pride'
Bond, 32, played only 17 Tests for New Zealand in an injury-plagued career, taking 79 wickets at an average of 22.39. He took 125 wickets in 67 one-day internationals at an average of 19.32.
"I have taken immense pride in playing for the Black Caps," Bond said. "I believed I could continue to do so for the term of my contract while also taking up the ICL opportunity.
"Given what has happened, I want to do the right thing by NZC, so at their request I have terminated my contract. I will continue to be available to play for the Black Caps and look forward to doing so once again when NZC deems this appropriate."
The six-team ICL, promoted by a television company, offers a purse of US$3.85 million.
"This is a difficult situation and we must comply with ICC regulations and support other member countries, and as a consequence can no longer entertain Shane playing for (New Zealand)," NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said.
"At some stage in the future we may be able to welcome Shane back into the Black Caps, either when he is no longer playing for the ICL or when that competition does not exist."
- AP
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