Cricket: NZ assured of league place, says boss

Justin Vaughan. Photo / Paul Estcourt

There is no suggestion Otago's lame performances at the inaugural Champions League might prove costly for New Zealand.

Otago, having been well beaten by South Africa's Cape Cobras in their opening group C match at the weekend, were rolled for just 108 by Bangalore yesterday, losing by 80 runs.

South African allrounder Jacques Kallis, with a rapid 73, and New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, with 32 not out off 11 balls, took Otago's bowling apart. The batting by Otago was meek, internationals Brendon McCullum and Neil Broom unable to fire their side.

"We are really disappointed," Otago captain Craig Cumming said yesterday. "We had high expectations."

However, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said last night it would not impact on the country's future involvement.

"We've been given assurances we will be getting annual invitations to this event," he said.

"Both England's representatives, Sussex and Somerset, have turned in modest performances, as have Sri Lankan side Wayamba."

The winner of the HRV-sponsored domestic Twenty20 tournament in January will represent New Zealand next year. The tournament will be held around the same time of year, but there is a question mark over which country will host it. India's spokesman on all things Twenty20, Lalit Modi, has raised the prospect of other countries, including South Africa, Australia or New Zealand hosting the league in the future.

However, Vaughan doubts New Zealand would be in the market, given the unfavourable time of year to play cricket in this country.

Meanwhile, Vaughan said talks were still ongoing about attracting sponsors for the domestic four-day first class championship and 50-over competitions this season.

If nothing was forthcoming, there was no threat to either competition, with solid revenue streams coming in from the international side of the game.