Bond's gone for good.

[sittingduck]

You'll likely already be aware but Shane Bond has signed with the so-called "rebel" league in India - the ICL (or is it the IPL, not sure, whichever one the BCCI don't like).

Therefore chances are he wont play for NZ again. What are people's thoughts on this?

He's got to be the biggest name in cricket that's still playing to sign for the league internationally (well that I'm aware of anyway).

First of all I don't see why he can't play for NZ anymore (despite what Justin Vaughn has said). He hasn't breached his contract in any way and NZ still have first dibs on him when they have international commitments that coincide with his IPL/ICL games (really should find out which league it is but can't be bothered).

Neither league is sanctioned by the ICC so they are in fact both "rebel" although the BCCI has sanctioned one (not the one Bond's signed for). Therefore NZ's basically not playing Bond anymroe because the Indian board will get upset with us if we do. They're apparently already unhappy that Harris and Tuffey (who play in the same league) have been palyign domestic cricket here this summer.

I don't begrudge Bond for signing, after all he's done nothing wrong, and he'll get about a million a year for playing five ro six weeks of 2020. Considering his luck or lack there of with injury he's bloody wise to cash in on his talents while he can so he can provide for his family.

[greg]

I am sad as a cricket fan to see him join this circus and leave international cricket but with my England hat on it obviously makes it easier for us in the forthcoming tour so that is nice.

You can't blame him for trying to make some money as he is a quality player who has had his career ruined by injury,if he stayed free from injury he would have probably been up there with Hadlee as a New Zealand great and made millions through endorsements so nobody can begrudge him making himself secure for the future having missed out on all that.

[pie_chucker]

It will be a shame to see him go. I remember his bursting onto the scene against the Aussies a few years ago.

I suppose deep down he knows his body wont hold up to much more international cricket so you cant blame him for taking a big payday.

[darksideofthemoon]

Bond's contract expires in May and he said he will honour it.

[sanketh84]

the ICL is the rebel league..whereas the BCCI launched the new league IPL as a competitor. So bond could've so easily been playing for NZ and wouldve gotten pretty good money with the IPL. I think what enticed bond was the money being paid to him irrespective of whether he is injured or not. The IPL is a knee-jerk reaction of the BCCI to the ICL much like the hue and cry after Kerry Packer's World Series. It has already robbed india of some promising youngsters who were lured with money and disgusted with the selection policy(read politics) of BCCI. wonder how many more international cricketers and indian youngsters will fall into the trap of ICL.

[greg]

Originally Posted by sanketh84

wonder how many more international cricketers and indian youngsters will fall into the trap of ICL.

Too many,the same as too many South Africans take the Kolpak route to play in England.It is disgusting and bad for cricket longterm.

[sanketh84]

yeah i see an increasing number of south africans take the Kolpak route...i'm surprised that south africa r still managing to stay on top of the rankings despite south africans going to england. does anyone know if its bcoz of the domestic cricket being weak or lack of money in the system? i'm sure many west indian cricketers will follow suite using the kolpak route. i hope i dont see a day when the mighty west indies of the past slip even below zimbabwe in rankings.

[greg]

I see that Kent have signed Justin Kemp on a 2 year Kolpak deal,yet another player leaving South Africa.