T20 Champions League: McCullum won’t ditch Otago for NSW

SYDNEY - New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum would not dump his home side Otago for Australian side New South Wales (NSW) in the Twenty20 Champions League scheduled for October in India.

Both the teams qualified for the Champions League and the Sydney Morning Herald reported that McCullum will not ditch his home state despite pleas from NSW.

According to the regulations stated by the Champion League management, if a player is eligible for more than one Champions League team, his overseas side would have to pay his home side a $250,000 transfer fee in order to secure his services.

Otago chief executive Ross Dykes confirmed that he had spoken to McCullum, who is in England, while clearly indicating that the wicketkeeper-batsman would be remaining loyal to his home province.

“You won’t find anyone more passionate about Otago than Brendon, but let’s wait and see what happens. There hasn’t even been an official offer yet,” Dykes was quoted as saying by the daily.

Both Otago and NSW seem keen on having the hard hitting Kiwi batsman in their sides.

Dykes said: “In terms of New Zealand cricket, I think it is pretty important we put on a good show otherwise we might not get invited back, so having Brendon would certainly be a big help.”

On the other hand, NSW have already lost their big-hitting batsman David Warner to the Delhi Daredevils for $250,000, and don’t want McCullum to leave.

“It is an undeniable fact that having Brendon McCullum in your team increases your chances of a win,” NSW chief executive Dave Gilbert said.

“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 said.