Banned Black Caps could soon be available

BY AARON LAWTON

Rebel cricketers including Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey have been told they will be released from their ICL contracts if they request a release next week a move which will allow them to play for the Black Caps.

Players contracted to the financially-strapped, unsanctioned Indian Cricket League recently received an email from tournament organisers informing them of the option.

It's understood Himanshu Mody, the ICL's business head, will fly to Australia to meet with ICL executive board member and famed Channel Nine commentator Tony Greig in the next 10 days to discuss the proposal.

If players choose to cut their ties with the rebel league, they will immediately become available for national selection again.

Of the former Black Caps in the ICL a list that includes Bond, Tuffey, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Andre Adams and Lou Vincent only the two genuine quicks are likely to interest the New Zealand selectors.

But Bond, still New Zealand's best bowler, has constantly talked down any chance of a return to the Black Caps although the pressure will come on him again after today's revelations.

In contrast Sunday News has been told Tuffey is desperate to play for the Caps again.

His form in the four-day State Championship since it resumed this month has been extraordinary and in three matches he has taken 17 wickets at an average of 13.5.

Last night Sunday News' cricket analyst Simon Doull led calls for Tuffey to ditch the ICL and attempt an international comeback.

"Daryl Tuffey is certainly good enough to play test cricket for New Zealand again," Doull said. "If you look at the reasons he was left out of the side a few years back, it was because of a lack of confidence.

"To me now, he's a guy who is training and playing harder and is more mentally ready to play international cricket.

"He could easily come back and do a great job for the Black Caps if he loses his ICL links.

"He's been a leading player for Auckland in all forms of the game and he's bowling probably as well as he has for a long time.

"I see no reason Daryl couldn't slot straight back into the side, especially when you look at how the New Zealand guys are going at the moment."

Tuffey was uncontactable yesterday but in a further boost to his Caps dreams New Zealand Cricket boss Justin Vaughan said his organisation would welcome back with open arms any previously banned ICL stars from the international wilderness.

"We wouldn't stand in the way of any players returning to the Black Caps if they aren't tied to the ICL," Vaughan told Sunday News.

"We've made it pretty clear from the start that while we can't select players for New Zealand who are contracted to the ICL, if they end their ties with the league they would be immediately reconsidered for the national side.

"It would be a good thing for all of cricket if this happens.

"You want your national team to include the very best players and I think it's quite clear we haven't been able to do that in recent times.

"If some New Zealand players were to finish with the IPL that would certainly be good for cricket in this country.

"It would also depend whether those individuals would be interested in playing for New Zealand again."

Sunday News understands that despite the release option being offered to players ICL owner Subhash Chandra has promised not to walk away from the tournament.

The ICL's next tournament is expected to start in October.

Would you like to see Tuffey and Bond back playing for the Black Caps?

- © Fairfax NZ News