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Otago's Brendon McCullum - Source: Photosport -
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Otago Cricket and New Zealand Cricket have agreed to Brendon McCullum being released this weekend to play for the NSW Blues in the final of the Australian domestic Twenty20 competition.
NSW have already qualified for the Champions League to be held in India in October and so McCullum's presence on Saturday will allow him to participate in the Champions League even if his IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, fail to qualify.
Otago Cricket CEO, Ross Dykes, said the move was a positive one for McCullum and for Otago and NZC - it a sensible decision on cricketing grounds.
"First, the Blackcaps will not be available for the semi-final or final of the State Shield next week," said Dykes. "By releasing Brendon we actually allow room for a replacement batsman to settle into the Otago Volts batting line-up - a line-up that will have to be without both McCullum and Neil Broom if they are to defend the State Shield title through a semi final and a final.
"Secondly, we recognize the impetus that Brendon has given Otago Cricket since his return over one year ago and are conscious of his reputation as a dominant force on the world stage of limited overs cricket.
"The chance to further enhance his reputation can only bring further good to the profile of our game locally and, not unrealistically, bring financial benefits as well.
Dykes said Otago cricket was aware that fans in Invercargill would be disappointed, "but I am completely satisfied that the decision best serves the good of the game in the South both in the short and medium term."
Mike Hesson and Craig Cumming (coach and captain of the Otago Volts) were involved in the decision, Dykes said. "Both agree that the winning of the State Shield is their sole priority and this can only be enhanced by ensuring our batting cover gets maximum opportunity to prepare."
NZC CEO, Justin Vaughan, supported the Otago decision. "There is much potential upside with Brendon having a guaranteed spot in the Champions League," Vaughan said. "I support Otago's view that they should make all sensible preparations to win through the semi and final of the State Shield without both Brendon and Neil Broom."
