Cricket: ICL fallout nowhere near over

Exiled fast bowler Shane Bond believes the repercussions of New Zealand players defecting to the Indian Cricket League (ICL) will still be felt when India arrive next summer.

It has been made clear the ICL rebels will not be selected for New Zealand but Bond and others such as Daryl Tuffey and Lou Vincent can play for their major associations.

"In terms of the legal stuff, it will be interesting to see the BCCI's [Indian cricket's ruling body] reaction if they want to play a warm-up game against Canterbury or Auckland and the likes of myself or Daryl are due to be playing."

Bond, who last played for New Zealand in November in South Africa, said he could see a situation where the BCCI refused to allow their players to play in matches against ICL players.

"It could get very interesting."

Bond is in Southampton on a short-term contract with English county side Hampshire. At one point, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) tried to stop ICL players playing for counties but was told it would be in breach of restraint of trade legislation. Eventually Bond and Hamish Marshall were allowed to join Hampshire and Gloucestershire.

The MCC World Cricket Committee met on the eve of the first test at Lord's last week and Bond's name figured high in discussions. The committee, which included Steve Waugh and Courtney Walsh, were in agreement that Bond had been treated appallingly after signing with the ICL.

With such high-profile moral support, it would seem the ideal time for Bond to seek a restraint of trade ruling against his banning.

However he told the Herald on Sunday it was not something he was looking to do.

"Not really," he said, when asked if the support of his peers would fuel a legal action. "It's just good that people know what really went on.

"I've basically resigned myself to the fact my international career is over," the 32-year-old said. "I suppose I'm unselectable. I'd love to be able to be picked but they're never going to pick me."

Bond's eight-week stint at Hampshire got off to a hiss and a roar with a seven-wicket bag in his first championship match. However, he then ran into familiar territory with a calf strain ruling him out for a fortnight.

He was to make his reappearance this weekend at Bristol, where he will lock horns with Marshall.

After his stint in county cricket, he will have a four-month break before the next ICL tournament. He and his wife Tracey are expecting their third child in August.

News Source : http://www.nzherald.co.nz