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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has muzzled pace bowler Shane Bond as it continues negotiations to try to prevent him playing in a rebel Indian cricket competition.
Bond's signing for the Indian Cricket League (ICL) Twenty20 league, a move confirmed by the tournament's organisers, has cast a pall over the buildup to New Zealand's home series against England next month as it seems likely his international career is over.
NZC is trying to convince the 32-year-old injury-prone strike bowler to renege on a three-year deal with the ICL which will reportedly net the him about $1.04 million a season.
It would prefer he joins the Indian Premier League (IPL), a rival competition backed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
If Bond remains with the ICL, NZC is under instructions by the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to select him for future national teams.
Bond was expected to meet NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan tomorrow although it appears those talks have been postponed until later in the week.
Vaughan released a brief statement today, reiterating discussions were continuing.
"During the past week Shane has respected a request by NZC that he not discuss the issue publicly. We are in a process with Shane and there will be no comment by either party until that process has been completed."
Bond's future has been subject to intense speculation particularly as he is contracted to NZC until May, a period which covers England's visit.
If he is not chosen for the national side, the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association (NZCPA) may instigate legal action on the grounds that non-selection represents a restraint of trade.
While Bond has remained silent on what looms as a test case for professional cricketers in light of the emergence of the Twenty20 format, there has been no shortage of opinions of his decision to go with the ICL.
Vaughan accepted Bond would be remiss not to seriously consider the ICL overtures while current and former internationals had few qualms about New Zealand's greatest fast bowler since Sir Richard Hadlee opting to set himself up for life.
"He's on his last legs as a professional sportsman, so he has to do what he has to do. But if you sign a contract with NZC and break it, well that's that," former captain John Reid said.
Former swing bowler Simon Doull said he would have jumped at a similar offer late in his career.
"I guess if someone put half a million dollars in front of me I'd be tempted to go anywhere in the world and do anything they asked.
"Until you are in that position I think it's very difficult to pass judgment, saying he's choosing money over country," he told the Dominion Post newspaper.
New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram today said he would support Bond whatever the outcome.
"He's a good friend of mine. We'd love to have him here, that goes without saying, but whatever happens, happens," said Oram, who has signed with the IPL.
"I'm hoping he may come back but we've had him so little over the past couple of years, we're almost used to being without him."
- NZPA
