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The door is still open for New Zealand's premier cricketer to return, after he quit the national team to play for a rebel league, and Shane Bond has not ruled out a comeback.
After weeks of speculation, Bond, 32, and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed yesterday they were parting ways, with the Canterbury speedster unable to continue his contract while playing for the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League (ICL).
His "unfair and inappropriate" exit has brought a call from the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) for the world body to act.
"It is this situation that leaves the NZCPA concerned for cricket in New Zealand. We urge the International Cricket Council (ICC) to step in and attempt to influence this situation ... before we lose more players both here and around the world, and international cricket has been damaged further."
NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said it had to comply with ICC regulations "and as a consequence can no longer entertain Shane playing for the Black Caps".
"At some stage in the future we may be able to welcome Shane back to the Black Caps, either when he is no longer playing for the ICL or when that competition does not exist."
Age and injury may prevent Bond making an international comeback, but he told the Herald he would "never say never. I suppose myself I've prepared that I have finished, mentally. And if it changed next week or [in] four months, then I have to sit down and see if I have the desire or want to do it."
