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New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond's stint with English county Hampshire is in doubt because of his links with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), AFP reported today.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement today, saying they are determined to distance itself from any "promotor, agent or individual" involved in events unauthorised by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The statement added: "It was further noted that unqualified cricketers requiring a `no objection certificate' to be registered for cricket in England and Wales are unlikely to receive such certificates from their home boards if they participate in unauthorised events.
"In order to protect the genuine interests in the development of grassroots and county cricket and protecting anti-doping and anti-corruption measures, the ECB policy to condemn unauthorised events will be taken into consideration when evaluating any application to register players for county cricket."
In October the ICC ruled no contracted international player could be released for the rebel league, effectively ending Bond's New Zealand career, and ruling the injury-prone fast bowler out of his country's forthcoming tour of England.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
