Cricket: Otago star keeps it loyal for Twenty20

Forget the idea of Brendon McCullum turning out for anyone other than Otago in this year's Champions League.

The idea of New South Wales paying a US$200,000 ($314,500) fee to secure the New Zealand vice-captain's services for the 12-team Twenty20 tournament in India in October has not translated into a formal request to either Otago Cricket or New Zealand Cricket.

As McCullum played one game for New South Wales in their domestic competition last season, it made him eligible for both teams, once they had qualified.

But yesterday McCullum made it clear where his heart lies and for whom he wants to wield his blazing bat. "I'd love to play in the Champions League for Otago," he said.

"Playing some of the best teams in the world with your best mates that you've grown up playing with would be incredible."

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said he was not expecting a request from New South Wales.

"This is such a big deal for Otago cricket I'd be astonished if Brendon didn't want to play for them," Vaughan said.

Otago Cricket will get a chunk of a US$500,000 participation fee which will go in several directions, including the other major associations and players' pool. But chief executive Ross Dykes said last night it was vital the best possible Otago team be sent to India.

"I think we've got an obligation to the public of Dunedin and to New Zealand Cricket to represent them the best we can," he said.

"Most of all we've got an obligation to our players who've got us here to ensure we put the best team out that we can. So I'm strongly of the opinion Brendon should play for Otago."

The tournament runs from October 8-23 with a US$3 million first prize. Other qualifiers include the three top Indian Premier League franchises, Deccan Chargers, Royal Bangalore Challengers and Delhi Daredevils - who each have a New Zealand involvement with Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder and captain Dan Vettori connected - New South Wales, Victoria, Trinidad and Tobago, South African teams the Cape Cobras and Eagles, Sri Lankan champions Wayamba and two from England still to be finalised.