KEY POINTS:
Shane Bond has been cleared to play for Canterbury in the opening round of the domestic Twenty/20 cricket competition, though his international future remains in jeopardy.
The Black Caps' premier fast bowler was named in the Canterbury squad this week.
It initially seemed unlikely he would play against Central Districts in Christchurch tomorrow because it was widely accepted he has signed with the outlawed Indian Cricket League (ICL).
But as talks between Bond's representatives and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are ongoing the organisation has decided he is free to play until his future is clarified.
"While the process is continuing I'm happy for Shane to play domestic cricket," New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan told The Dominion Post newspaper.
Vaughan added he hoped the uncertainty surrounding Bond's future would be decided by early next week.
Meanwhile, Jacob Oram (foot) and Stephen Fleming (shoulder) have been ruled out of the first, and possibly second, round of the competition for CD and Wellington respectively after sustaining niggles against Bangladesh.
Auckland duo Kyle Mills, Chris Martin and probably skipper Daniel Vettori (Northern Districts) would also miss the opening round to undergo a brief period of strengthening work in the gym.
- NZPA
