McCullum in demand for C-League

As of now,it appears to be a tug of war between New Zealand domestic side Otago and New South Wales. Otago have booked their berth as one of the extra sides in the expanded tournament.

McCullum plays domestic cricket in New Zealand for Otago. But he made a controversial fly-in appearance for New South Wales in the Twenty20 final against Victoria in January. So,he qualifies to play for the Aussie side as well. New South Wales are likely to lose David Warner to Delhi Daredevils. Should Warner choose Delhi,the franchisee would need to pay New South Wales compensation as would New South Wales to Otago if they rope in McCullum.

McCullum and Warner are among a group of players who have reached the Champions League through two teams and therefore have to decide which team they would represent.

McCullum had an inauspicious start to his IPL campaign in South Africa after he was burdened with KKR’s captaincy at the last moment. He took time to fall into the groove,but towards the end of the tournament he was in his elements,entertaining the crowds with his pyrotechnics.

Widely regarded as a match-winner in the shortest version of the game,McCullum would be a prized catch for the Champions League. And Cricket New South Wales chief executive David Wales said that they would consider making Otago an offer if they received money from Delhi Daredevils.

“There is no doubt that having Brendon McCullum in your team increases your chances of a win,that is an undeniable fact,” Gilbert was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s about ensuring we have got all the bases covered. It is certainly something we will consider. It is a cost-neutral exercise,” he added.

But things might not be all that easy as Otago appear to be hell-bent on retaining McCullum. “We get first dibs on him (McCullum) now that Kolkata didn’t get through,” Otago captain Craig Cumming told Radio Sport.

“Someone would have to have a pretty strong argument to get him out of the team that I’m playing for. Guys like Brendon,they play for New Zealand and the franchises in the IPL but this is unique in that you are representing your province on a world stage. This is a real opportunity for him to do something a little bit different from what he normally does because it is for his province. It’s a unique chance,” Cumming tried to spur his state-mate on.

Otago chief executive Ross Dykes,however,seems to have accepted the reality. “Given the fact that he (McCullum) has played for them (New South Wales) in the last 12 months,I think it could happen,” he said. “You can’t ignore figures like that. But on the other hand,you have loyalty reasons for which you wouldn’t want to do it. Brendon would have to be involved in these discussions,” he added.

It could have been a three-way traffic for McCullum had KKR not had a forgettable outing in the IPL. Earlier this year,McCullum said that he would like to play for Otago in the Champions League. Now that New South Wales reportedly have come up with a hefty cash offer,it remains to be seen if he sticks to his guns.

Despite a poor show by the KKR,the team’s director of cricket operations John Buchanan was all praise for McCullum’s attitude and his leadership skills. He has even dropped a hint that he would like to continue with the Kiwi should he stay with the KKR.

Apart from McCullum,there are quite a few players with decisions to make. They include Dirk Nannes (Victoria and Delhi Daredevils),Andrew McDonald (Victoria and Delhi Daredevils),Cameron White (Victoria and Royal Challengers Bangalore),Nathan Bracken (New South Wales and Royal Challengers Bangalore),Herschelle Gibbs (Cape Cobras and Deccan Chargers) and Farveez Maharoof (Wayamba and Delhi Daredevils).

Delhi Daredevils coach Greg Shipperd is also in an unusual position as he is also in charge of Victoria. Delhi Daredevils sneaked into the Champions League as the 12th team after they were accommodated in place of the champions from Pakistan.

Shipperd,however,has previously stated that Victoria would be his first priority if there’s a conflict of interest.