KEY POINTS:
Three more New Zealand cricketers are considering a shift to the Indian Cricket League (ICL).
While all three have yet to receive a formal contract, the Herald on Sunday understands they have been in contact with representatives of the 'rebel' league and are seriously considering a move.
Two are said to be currently involved in the national team, while the third is a fringe player. It has been reported previously that seamers Chris Martin and Kyle Mills are particularly vulnerable, having missed out on the security blanket that is the Indian Premier League, however that remains speculation.
Mathew Sinclair is another name that has been mentioned in dispatches. Yesterday he said that while he would be open "to a halfway decent offer" one had not been forthcoming. He also suspected the ICL was more interested in "high-profile players".
For any that end up going, it would almost certainly mean an end to their international aspirations like it did with Shane Bond, who was released from his New Zealand Cricket contract to take up a three-year contract with the fledgling league.
When contacted late yesterday, Players' Association manager Heath Mills, brother of Kyle, said: "I am aware of three other players who have spoken to agents regarding the ICL." He would not give any names. "As far as I am aware, there is nothing formal in writing in front of them at this stage."
Two weeks ago Bond said he didn't think he would be the last one to go.
"This is going to be an issue that keeps affecting the game here," he said. "Whether it's domestic or international players, or fringe international players who are looking at other opportunities. It will be interesting to see how it pans out."
It appears to be panning out alarmingly. As was reported here two weeks ago, Andre Adams signed for the Zee Television-backed event that sees players sign up for three tournaments a year spread over 102 days.
Player agent Leanne McGoldrick, who helped stitch together Bond's, Craig McMillan's and Andre Adams' ICL contracts said she wasn't aware of any other internationals being approached by ICL, who are drawing contracts now for their next tournament in March.
