Cricket: Bond confirms move to Mumbai Indians

Shane Bond will join the Mumbai Indians coaching staff for this year's IPL season. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's bowling coach Shane Bond has confirmed speculation he will link up with Indian Premier League outfit the Mumbai Indians at the end of the Cricket World Cup.

Bond announced yesterday that he would step down from his role with the Black Caps at the conclusion of the World Cup, despite New Zealand Cricket offering him a contract extension.

The Mumbai Indians will be coached by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for the 2015 IPL season, which is expected to get underway in April. Bond will act as bowling coach for the side, while former South African star Jonty Rhodes will be the specialist fielding coach.

Bond said he was excited about his new venture.

"It's my privilege to be associated with the most highly regarded franchise in the IPL," he said.

"I look forward to bringing my cricketing experience to work along with Ricky and the team."

The 39-year-old played one season of IPL cricket in 2010 with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Bond's departure from the Black Caps setup has come as a blow to NZC, given the success the seam attack has enjoyed under Bond's tutelage.

NZC head of cricket Lindsay Crocker said his organisation had been anxious to retain Bond's services.

"Make no bones about this -- we're very disappointed to be losing Shane," said Crocker.